VANESSA A
Rukungiri District health experts have warned the public about the signs and practical ways of managing diabetes.
Speaking to our reporter, the Rukungiri District Health Educator, Alban Natukunda, said diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or when body cells fail to respond properly to insulin.
He explained that some of the common signs and symptoms of diabetes include excessive sweating, constant hunger, dizziness, frequent urination, unexplained weight gain, and fatigue. He added that diabetes affects both the young and the elderly, especially people who are overweight or obese.
Alban further warned that failure to treat diabetes in time can lead to serious complications, including sexual dysfunction, difficulty in urination, and vision problems.
Alban advised the public that once they experience signs such as dizziness, severe headaches, or excessive sweating, they should visit health facilities for proper medical examination. He emphasized the importance of knowing one’s diabetes status, the stage of the disease, and how best to manage it.
He added that one of the major causes of diabetes is being overweight, and advised the public to engage in regular physical exercise and eat healthy foods with less fat, such as vegetables and greens.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alex Twekwase, the Director of Bukiriro Clinic, highlighted the main types of diabetes as Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes. He explained that gestational diabetes mainly affects pregnant women, while Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are caused by the body’s failure to produce or effectively use insulin.
Dr. Alex added that gestational diabetes can result from poor feeding habits during pregnancy and having a family history of diabetes, noting that diabetes can sometimes run in families.
Dr. Alex further outlined the signs and symptoms of diabetes, which include excessive sweating, frequent urination especially more than four times at night and dry mouth. He advised people already diagnosed with diabetes to continue taking their medication as prescribed, as health workers closely monitor their progress and adjust treatment accordingly.
He also encouraged the public to eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables and vitamins as one of the key ways of preventing diabetes.
