Learn about early warning signs of diabetes, expert urges public

Muhimbili National Hospital executive director Lawrence Museru

What you need to know:

  • Families have been urged to learn ways of identifying warning signs of diabetes. The call has come at a time when Tanzania is marking World Diabetes Day

Dar es Salaam. The public has been advised to learn how to identify warning signs of diabetes.

That was said by Muhimbili National Hospital executive director Lawrence Museru during World Diabetes Day.

Hundreds of people flocked to Mloganzila Hospital grounds to undergo diabetes screening.

"We cannot effectively curb diabetes without educating the public on the possible signs of the disease. Sadly, the disease can be easily mistaken for something else,” Prof Museru said.

According to him, 80 per cent of diabetics are from developing countries.

The theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘Family and Diabetes’.

According to Mloganzila Hospital endocrinologist Banduki Elisante, the lack of knowledge about diabetes meant that spotting the warning signs was not just a problem for parents, but an issue impacting a cross section of society.

"We now emphasise the creation of awareness on the impact of diabetes for families and support network for those affected," Dr Elisante said.

He also emphasised the promotion of the role of families in managing, preventing and carrying out awareness on the disease.

"This is why we urge families to learn more about warning signs of diabetes," he said.

Mloganzila Hospital has been conducting a five-day free health checkups starting on 12 November to identify diabetics and treat them.

"We have so far diagnosed over 700 people and we are continuing to attend more people. We want all people to come out for free checkups," said Prof Museru.