Bomet County joined the rest of the world in marking the World Diabetes Day, which is celebrated annually on November 14, an event led by the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation.
The theme of this year’s ‘WDD’ is “Know Your Risk, Know Your Response.” This is aimed at raising awareness about prevention, diagnosis, and management of diabetes and related comorbidities.
The event was held at the Ndanai sub-county hospital in Sotik Sub-county. During the event, Bomet, Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok urged the residents of Bomet to take advantage of free diabetes screening at any of the medical facilities within Bomet County so that they could get medical care and nutrition advice if found diabetic, citing that early diagnosis and proper treatment prevent complications from diabetes.
He further stated that there is a full-time clinic at Longisa Referral Hospital and Ndanai Sub County Hospital where diabetic patients are managed and given insulin and other types of medication for free.
The county boss also lauded the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who have continually visited the Residents of Bomet at their homes to raise awareness not only about diabetes but also about their general health.
In a bid to expand Ndanai Hospital, Governor Barchok gave firm instructions to the Department of Health to expedite the procurement process and ensure that they start the construction of a diabetic ward and a septic tank in the facility.
According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. Hyperglycemia, also called raised blood glucose or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and, over time, leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.
The contributing factors to diabetes are: overweight and obesity, family history, unhealthy diet, tobacco use, and physical inactivity. Some of the symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, constant hunger, excessive urination, excessive tiredness and drowsiness, sudden weight loss or gain, and changes in vision.
To prevent diabetes or help control blood sugar If one is living with diabetes, it is important to eat healthy foods—more vegetables and fruits, fewer carbohydrates, fats, sugars, and salts. One also needs to exercise regularly. Avoid smoking and the harmful use of alcohol.
During the meeting, Governor Barchok was joined by staff from the health department led by CECM Dr. Joseph Sitonik, CO Felix Langat, CHPs, area MCA and Majority Leader Paul Kirui, Chairperson Health Committee Stephen Changmorik, and his Vice Chair Catherine Chepngetich.
