We must step up interventions to address diabetes
By Lilian Motanya
The number of Kenyans living with diabetes is rising and deaths from the disease have doubled in the past three decades, according to statistics. Yet, it has not been a focal point of health interventions. I draw your attention to this condition that has been thrown under the carpet for a while.
According to a report by the World Health Organisation in 2016, one in every 17 Kenyans is diabetic. The International Diabetes Federation data figures show there were 458,900 diabetes cases in Kenya in 2017.
Diabetes is caused by lack of or having inadequate levels of insulin in the pancreas hence impairing the body’s ability to process glucose. Despite being termed as a lifestyle and a manageable disease—especially Type 2—many people are still getting diagnosed with it.
The irony is that low-income members of society are worst hit by the disease. There are two contributing factors that predispose this group to the disease. First, they lack easy access to information about the disease—how it can be prevented, diagnosed, or even managed. Second—they lack finances to screen, buy drugs or, properly manage the disease once diagnosed.
The high cost of healthcare also prevents many Kenyans from seeking medical help hence leading to severe complications and even death.
To put this into perspective, once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, a doctor will recommend you test your blood glucose at least four times a day.
The average cost for a single testing strip is Sh50, which translates to Sh200 a day. This is without consideration of drugs, insulin, meals and hospital fee.
A day in the life of person with diabetes costs a minimum Sh400 to manage the condition as recommended. While the rich can manage it and live healthy lives, the poor have to dig deeper into their pockets—which have already run dry thanks to the high cost of living. Wouldn’t it have been easier if the costs of treatment and drugs were subsidised?
When a diabetic person fails to monitor blood glucose as required, the risk of suffering diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure increase and this ultimately puts a strain on, not just the individual family, but also the country’s economy.
Some community-based organisations such as Diabetes Management and Resource Centre (DMRC) have chipped in to complement the government’s efforts in managing the disease. They are, to their credit, going a long way in alleviating suffering among patients.
At DMRC, for instance, our main aim is to educate, empower people on proper diabetes management, and advocate for subsidised prices. Although we focus on those living with diabetes, our information is readily available to the general public to make them aware of the epidemic.
We engage our members via Facebook, Instagram, and even on Whatsapp. We have an interactive Whatsapp group where members raise questions and get answers from our experts—doctors and nutritionists.
Our members have benefited where some have received free glucometers and strips at subsidised rates. We also offer free services such as the HBA1C test, glucose, and blood pressure tests.
If we all put minds and efforts together, we can raise a healthy, prosperous nation. The government must also consider subsidising diabetes drugs.
—The writer is co-founder, Diabetes Management Resource Centre
