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The eye specialist said the effects of diabetes extend beyond blood sugar levels, affecting organs such as the eyes, kidneys and heart. She explained that because the damage can develop without pain or obvious symptoms, some patients only seek medical attention after experiencing blurred vision
The concern was raised in Nairobi on Sunday, where about 200 healthcare professionals from referral centres, private hospitals and private practices gathered to discuss the growing burden of metabolic diseases and the need for earlier intervention.
State Department for Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga says the government has allocated Sh19 billion to primary healthcare, with greater emphasis being placed on preventing diseases and detecting health risks before they develop into serious and expensive conditions
An estimated 813,300 adults in Kenya were living with diabetes in 2021, equal to about 3.1 per cent of the adult population.The number could be higher because more than half of people living with diabetes are believed to have not been diagnosed.
The latest approvals include five generic semaglutide products, one of which is Truglyx. The medicine was launched in Nairobi last month during the Reset Diabesity conference.
Speaking in an interview with Radio Generation, Dr Okoth said changing diets, low physical activity, and excessive sugar and salt consumption are fueling the surge in these preventable diseases.
In Kenya, about 6,500 children and young people under the age of 20 live with Type 1 diabetes.