In commemoration of 2021 World Diabetes Day, the management and staff of Asriel Medicare has embarked on a one week Free Medical Screening/training which kicked-off on Monday November 15th through Saturday November 20th in Benin City, Edo State.
The Theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day is “ACCESS TO DIABETES CARE: IF NOT NOW, WHEN? ” with a special highlight on “INSULIN AT 100 “.
Speaking on the rationale behind the service rendered, the facilitator, Dr. Oluwatoyin Ohenhen, Consultant Physician /Endocrinologist said, “this is to create awareness & proffer recommendations on overcoming the challenges faced by persons with Diabetes in accessing care in various dimensions.
“Presently, the International Diabetes Federation estimates that 3 in 4 people with diabetes live in low & middle income countries and that 100 years after insulin discovery, 1 in 2 people who need insulin cannot access or afford it. With this alarming figures, it is recommended that we reduce our risk of type 2 Diabetes which is largely preventable”
Speaking further Dr. Ohenhen revealed that type 2 diabetes can be prevented by indulging in some healthy practices ranging from healthy eating, avoidance of sugar sweetened soft drinks/beverages, avoidance of junk food and snacks and, cholesterol-containing vegetable oil & saturated fats e.g margarine.
She recommended that patients should eat more of vegetables & fruits, take enough water daily, limit alcohol intake, involve in healthy Lifestyle, maintain ideal body weight engage in regular/daily exercises , avoid sedentary lifestyle.
“Furthermore, regular medical screening to ascertain the blood glucose levels, blood pressure ~&~ lipid levels is of utmost importance.
For those already diagnosed, take medicines as prescribed, regularly monitor blood glucose levels and keep the records, attend clinic visits regularly to prevent complications”.
Ohenhen charged Health-care workers to screen all persons at first contact especially those at risk and refer appropriately for specialised care as soon as required. “A multi-disciplinary approach is indispensable for good outcomes” she added.
Beneficiaries of the free medical screening were full of appreciation to Asriel Medicare and vowed to put into use the health tips got from the programme.
The World Health Organisation describes diabetes as a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.