They added that T1D is not preventable but can be managed with insulin injections, while T2D is largely preventable and treatable non- communicable disease that is rapidly increasing in numbers worldwide.
November 14th each year is commemorated globally as World Diabetes Day. The day is primarily to amplify global awareness campaigns focusing on diabetes mellitus.
It is against this backdrop that The Gambia Diabetes Association (GDA) in partnership with Young Gambian Diabetes Association (YGDA) and Gambia Diabetic Project in Germany recently joined commemorations marking World Diabetes Day (WDD).
According to The Gambia’s recent NCDs national profile, NCDs including diabetes account for 34% of all deaths, an increase from the 32% reported in 2014.
The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that about 4% of The Gambian population could be diabetic by 2030, underscoring the importance of strengthening awareness of NCDs, especially diabetes.
Diabetes is a serious disease that can easily destroy the human body and eventually cause death. The disease is characterised by elevated blood glucose levels and that most diabetes is type 2 diabetes, largely caused by unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity.
In view of the foregoing there is a need for governments to act urgently through a more concerted action to curb this serious global health problem.
Let’s always remember that preventing deaths and complications from diabetes requires access to affordable health-care services with equipment sufficient to diagnose and monitor diabetes among others.
Besides, there is a need for more advocacy to promote healthy diet, physical activity and self-care. There is a need for the government to invest in better monitoring of diabetes, including who is getting access to the treatment they need, and who is missing out.
This serious global health problem cannot be overcome unless communities and people embrace a healthy life-style and watch out for the type of food they consume.