Medics warn on rising diabetes cases, root for early detection

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Medical professionals and community leaders have expressed concerns over the rising diabetes cases, warning that late detection and poor management continue to claim preventable lives.

They made the call during a public awareness event held at Police Children’s School in Ntinda, Kampala, on November 17, 2025.

Health workers used the platform to highlight the growing number of patients arriving in emergency units with complications that could have been avoided through regular monitoring and adherence to treatment.

“From the emergency perspective, you will find that people need to monitor their sugars very well. If sugars go too high, they will bring you to the hospital even when you don't know what is happening in this world,” Ambrose Naturinda, an emergency practitioner, said.

Naturinda added that many severe cases stem from simple management errors, especially among those already on medication.

“Some patients miss a dose and then try to double the next one. This can drop sugar levels dangerously low, and that is life-threatening,” he cautioned.

The International Diabetes Federation reports that approximately 537 million adults worldwide live with diabetes, with the number projected to reach 643 million by 2030. Africa bears a particularly heavy burden, with an estimated 55% of diabetic adults unaware they have the condition.

Ivan Sendege, the President of the Lions Club of Kampala East, which organised the Diabetes Awareness Walk, emphasised that the disease is manageable when detected early.

“If detected early, it can save lives. It is manageable, and you can live a normal, productive life even with diabetes,” he said.

The community aspect of the crisis was highlighted by Police Children's School headteacher Lydia Kitimbo, who noted the event’s broader impact.

“The activity has raised awareness among the children and in the community. We have so many relatives that are having diabetes, and this has opened the minds of our learners and the community members,” Kitimbo added.

Medical authorities at the event delivered clear guidance against seeking unproven treatments, warning people against visiting herbalists.

“We have had issues with people who have diabetes who are told that herbal medicine will normalise their sugar levels. Always seek professional medical advice,” he said.

According to the World Health Organisation, diabetes was directly responsible for 1.5 million deaths globally in 2019, with many of these preventable through early detection and proper management.

The event was supported by a contribution of over sh6m from the Lions Club of Kampala East, in addition to support from partners and well-wishers.