TDA alarmed with increasing number of people with diabetes nationwide

DAR ES SALAAM: THE number of people living with diabetes in Tanzania continues to rise compared with previous years, while public awareness about how to prevent the disease remains low, the Tanzania Diabetes Association (TDA) has said.

TDA Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Filbert Nyoni made the remarks today during the 13th Health Conference, noting that although efforts are being made to educate people who are not living with diabetes, challenges remain in educating patients on how to manage the condition and prevent potentially serious complications.

He said such complications include wounds that may eventually lead to amputation, as well as kidney and eye problems.

According to Nyoni, TDA continues to work with the government to raise public awareness through scientific dialogues, regional and district health teams, public meetings, and various television and radio programmes aimed at reaching a wider audience.

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Nyoni also identified unhealthy lifestyles as among the factors contributing to the increase in diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

He said many people do not engage in physical exercise or other activities that keep the body active, while the consumption of unhealthy foods continues to increase.

He added that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also risk factors for these diseases, urging the public to adopt healthy diets, exercise regularly and make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.

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