Parents urged to spot Type 1 diabetes signs

DAR ES SALAAM: PARENTS, teachers and communities have been urged to recognise warning signs of Type 1 diabetes in children to ensure early diagnosis, reduce stigma and prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

The call was made in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday by Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) Executive Director Dr Delila Kimambo during the opening of the Allied Healthcare Diabetes Educator Course for Africa (ADECA).

Health experts at the event said Type 1 diabetes can affect children from infancy and requires lifelong insulin treatment.

Common warning signs include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss and failure to gain weight.

Dr Kimambo said public awareness was crucial because children living with the condition were often overlooked in discussions about diabetes, leaving families to deal with misunderstanding and stigma.

“I would like the community to recognise that this group exists. Teachers should also be able to recognise them. It is our responsibility to take this education to schools and parents and prevent stigma against these children,” she said.

She said MNH currently provides care to more than 300 children with Type 1 diabetes, while other patients receive treatment at zonal, regional and district hospitals. According to Dr Kimambo, improved awareness helps families identify symptoms early and seek treatment before children develop serious complications.

Poorly managed diabetes can damage organs, including the eyes, kidneys and heart.

She said the ADECA programme helps strengthen diabetes care by building a network of nurses capable of training fellow health workers and improving services closer to patients.

ALSO READ: Mwinyi stresses strong policies, partnerships in fight against diabetes

ADECA Course Director Dr Chizo Agwu, a consultant in paediatric diabetes and endocrinology in the United Kingdom, said the programme aims at developing a sustainable workforce to improve diabetes care across Africa.

She said the latest cohort brings the number of nurses trained through ADECA to 37 from 11 African countries.

Meanwhile, people living with Type 1 diabetes called for greater public understanding of the condition.

Ms Lucy Lyimo, who was diagnosed at the age of 12 and has lived with the condition for 20 years, said Type 1 diabetes should not be mistaken for a lifestyle-related disease.

“Type 1 diabetes is not a lifestyle. It is not caused by a lifestyle that someone chooses,” she said.

Paediatrician and endocrinologist Dr Edna Majaliwa said common warning signs include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss and failure to gain weight.

She urged parents, teachers and caregivers to take such symptoms seriously.

Tanzania Diabetes Youth Alliance founder and National Chairperson George Kwayu said stigma can prevent young people with Type 1 diabetes from fully participating in school, work and community life.

He said people with the condition can study, work, marry, have children and pursue their ambitions when properly treated and supported.