Indeed, we are very much concerned about the country’s diabetes situation, which looks alarming.
According to officials, the country’s diabetes situation is on the increase and, therefore, a cause for concern.
We were told that, in The Gambia, in 1995 a diabetes survey was done by the Medical Research Council which revealed that at the time 30, 000 Gambians were suffering from the disease.
But today estimates have revealed that, currently, there are 150, 000 Gambians suffering from diabetes.
To us, this is too much and a serious cause for public concern, and something has to be done about it.
The health experts have said that if diabetes is not adequately controlled, the patient has a significantly higher risk of developing complications, such as hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, and nonketotic hypersosmolar coma.
They said its could also lead to longer term complications, including cardiovascular disease, retinal damage, chronic kidney failure, nerve damage, poor healing of wounds, gangrene on the feet which may lead to amputation, and erectile dysfunction.
Since there is no known cure for the disease, so far, it is imperative that people take more preventive means against it.
We challenge the health authorities to launch a national sensitisation campaign against diabetes in the country.
We also challenge the Gambia Diabetes Association to intensify their efforts in sensitising Gambians about diabetes.
Your focus should not only be limted to diabetes patients, but also to sensitise the society about the disease.
