ESTABLISH DESIGNATED DIABETIC CLINICS & REGISTRY — DR OHALE TELLS GOVT

REPORTER: CHIZOBA OPARA

A public health expert, Dr. Ikechi Ohale, has advocated the establishment of national and local designated diabetic Clinics and Registry for skillful management of complications associated with the ailment.

Dr. Ohale, who is a Consultant Public Health Physician with the Imo State Teaching Hospital, Orlu, made the call while speaking on the 2022 World Diabetes Day in the Owerri.

He describes diabetes as a chronic condition, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin leading to increased concentration of glucose in the blood.

Dr. Ikechi Ohale noted that diabetes had type one, which is insulin dependent with childhood onset, characterized by lack of insulin production, while type two diabetes is non insulin dependent with adult onset caused by the body ineffective use of insulin.

The Public Consultant explained that diabetes complications affected major organs of the body hence the need for early detection and prompt treatment of the ailment.

Dr. Ohale listed obesity, unhealthy diet and genetic tendencies as some of the primary causes of the sickness.

He advised people to maintain a normal body weight, regular physical activity, avoid tobacco smoking to delay the onset of type two.

The medical expert noted that the establishment of diabetic Clinics and Registry in the rural and Urban areas would enhance self monitoring and care through available information from the professional in the designated centres.

Dr. Ohale expressed regret that the burden of diabetes was enormous on the patient as it could cause heart attack, kidney failure, blindness, loss of limbs among others.

World Diabetes Day is observed each year globally on November 14 and this year’s theme is “access to diabetes care, education to protect tomorrow.”

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU