Nearly one-third of the 122 attendees at a recent Diabetes Awareness and Screening clinic hosted by AAR Hospital were identified with health conditions that require further medical evaluation, often without prior knowledge of their issues.
During the event on Saturday, August 24, screenings conducted by AAR Hospital revealed that 39 individuals needed additional medical tests, with 33 diagnosed as pre-diabetic or diabetic. These participants were offered the option to register for treatment at the Kiambu Road facility or any health centre of their choosing.
Those diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes received recommendations to consult a physician. Additionally, two individuals were referred to a cardiologist, two to an ophthalmologist, and two to an ENT specialist.
Dr Cynthia Omina, Head of Clinical Services at AAR Hospital, stated, “We also provided nutrition advice and diabetes health education to help manage their condition.”
The screening included free consultations with diabetes specialists, blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, foot evaluations, and hearing tests.
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Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood sugar levels due to pancreatic dysfunction, impairing insulin secretion. Common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme fatigue, rapid weight loss, blurry vision, and appetite changes.
The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes among clinic attendees aligns with a recent study published by PubMed Central, which found that 52 per cent of patients at primary health facilities in Nairobi had undiagnosed diabetes. Delayed diagnoses of chronic conditions can lead to further health complications and increased mortality rates.
The study also noted that risk factors such as obesity, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles significantly contribute to the high incidence of diabetes.
Dr Omina emphasized that “the rising cases of diabetes could be mitigated through lifestyle changes, particularly in urban areas.”
A STEPwise survey from 2015 indicated that over 88 per cent of Kenyans have never had their blood sugar levels tested, contributing to late diabetes diagnoses.
Currently, it is estimated that 3 out of 100 Kenyans have diabetes, with projections suggesting an increase to 4.4 per cent by 2035. This rise is particularly concerning among those under 60, largely due to low screening rates.