Over 6,300 People Tested Positive for Diabetes in Rukungiri Last Year

Rukungiri: As Uganda joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Diabetes Day 2024, Rukungiri District authorities revealed that 6,383 people tested positive for diabetes last year.

The national celebration was held in Kabale District on November 14, under the theme “Diabetes and Well-Being,” emphasizing the need for better access to diabetes care and support.

The Rukungiri District Health Educator Alban Natukunda, via a phone interview with our reporter, He noted that these figures only include patients who sought treatment at health facilities, underscoring the importance of early screening. He stressed that diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate globally and can silently damage many body functions, affecting the heart, nerves, and kidneys.

The annual observance aims to raise awareness about the disease and promote effective management, treatment, and prevention strategies. Natukunda highlighted that with proper knowledge, diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes, regular medication, and consistent monitoring. He pointed out that common causes of diabetes include physical inactivity, obesity, high-fat diets, and genetics.

The Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality Hon. Dr. Elisa Rutahirwa told our reporter about the significance of World Diabetes Day in raising awareness about different types of diabetes, such as Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. He urged the public to undergo regular health check-ups, emphasizing that early detection can prevent complications.

To mark the day, Hon. Dr. Rutahirwa organized a one-day free diabetes screening at Rujumbura Medicare Services to help residents understand their health status and encourage proactive management of diabetes.

According to the ministry of health, Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and non-traumatic lower limb amputation in Uganda. According to the International Diabetes Foundation, in 2021, an estimated 716,000 adults in Uganda had diabetes.