Nutrition training reduces diabetes medication use
DAR ES SALAAM: PATIENTS and members of the public living with or at risk of diabetes are set to benefit from specialized nutrition and lifestyle education classes introduced by Shifaa Hospital in Dar es Salaam, aimed at helping them prevent, manage and even reduce the burden of diabetes and other chronic diseases through healthier living.
Speaking to journalists yesterday, Shifaa Hospital endocrinologist and thyroid specialist, Dr Singla Mosha, said the hospital launched the classes after recognizing that diabetes is the underlying cause of many chronic illnesses and that patients often do not receive enough time during routine consultations to fully understand the role of nutrition and lifestyle in managing their condition.
He said the hospital is focusing on educating patients about healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes as an effective way of addressing diabetes, which is linked to several chronic diseases.
Dr Mosha explained that diabetes contributes to conditions such as fatty liver disease, infertility, obesity, heart disease and kidney disease, stressing that poor nutrition and unhealthy lifestyles are among the leading causes.
“All of the diseases I have mentioned have diabetes as one of their root causes, and diabetes itself is largely driven by poor nutrition and unhealthy lifestyles,” he said.
He noted that the time patients spend with doctors during consultations is often insufficient to provide detailed education on lifestyle changes, prompting the hospital to introduce dedicated classes as an integral part of patient care.
According to Dr Mosha, the classes have already produced encouraging results, with patients showing significant improvements after adopting healthier eating habits and lifestyle practices.
He also cautioned the public against relying on unverified health advice circulating on social media, saying much of it is shared by people without medical expertise.
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“The advantage of coming to Shifaa is that patients receive guidance from specialist doctors and undergo laboratory tests to monitor whether the recommended lifestyle and nutrition changes are improving their health. It is not just advice; patients are monitored to measure real progress,” he said.
Dr Mosha added that the hospital has successfully helped some patients with Type 2 diabetes reduce their dependence on daily medication, while others have been able to stop taking medication altogether after achieving significant improvements under medical supervision.
