Hospital offers free diabetes screening on World Diabetes Day

DAR ES SALAAM: OVER 200 people have benefitted from free diabetes screening conducted by Shifaa Hospital in Dar es Salaam as part of the World Diabetes Day commemorations.

The Hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Emmanuel Maganga, said on Wednesday that the exercise was aimed at raising awareness and promoting early detection of the disease, which continues to affect a growing number of Tanzanians.

Dr Maganga warned that if diabetes is not properly managed, it can lead to severe complications, including kidney disease, eye problems, non-healing wounds and in extreme cases, limb amputation.

He noted a significant rise in patients requiring kidney dialysis, a situation largely attributed to diabetic patients failing to access timely and specialised care.

“All this has prompted Shifaa Hospital to establish a dedicated unit where all diabetes-related services will be offered in one place, including nutrition, exercise, eye care and counselling on weight management. In this unit, we also provide weight loss surgery,” he said.

He added that citizens who attended the screening received proper services and nutritional advice and expressed satisfaction with the support offered. He urged the public to prioritise prevention and, for those diagnosed, to seek early and appropriate care.

The hospital’s ophthalmologist, Jacqueline Mchilla, said diabetes is closely linked to eye complications, noting that high sugar levels often damage nerves, including those in the eyes and brain—conditions that can lead to blindness or even stroke.

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“Any diabetic patient is advised to see a doctor regularly because once sugar enters the eyes and affects the nerves, it causes blindness and restoring full vision becomes difficult,” she said.

Dr Mchilla urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent the disease, stressing that delayed action increases the risk of severe vision problems.