Processed and deep-fried foods contribute to diabetes and hypertension. [Courtesy]
Murang’a County is recording rising cases of iabetes and arthritis, according to disease surveillance experts.
Due to cases doubling annually, the Ministry of Health has directed County nutritionists to intensify diet education as a recipe to contain the situation.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe quoted a recent report that indicated the county had more than 121,000 cases of arthritis, “which is a concern that should be given immediate attention”.
Mr Kagwe blamed the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCD) to changing lifestyle choice and diet, “yet treatment of NCDs is quite high and there is need to educate locals on the best way of living and types of food to take.”
Murang’a Nutrition Officer Nancy Waitherero said the many locals suffering from NCDs were not even aware, and most only found out after visiting health centres with headaches.
She cautioned people against consuming processed and deep-fried foods and saturated fats, which contribute to diabetes and hypertension, and instead use healthier vegetable, sunflower and corn oils.