A patient living with diabetes and hypertension has urged people to be health sensitive, always check their health conditions to avoid futher complications that come with diseases if neglected. This woman named Ndifontah was speaking during a free screening campaign organized by the Non Governmental Organisation, Nkumu Fed Fed, sponsored by Fed Fed Germany.

Health personnel carrying out blood sugar screening

Ndifontah told this journalist that she was diagnosed of diabetes and hypertension one year ago but decided to come for the screening to support the initiative and serve as encouragement to others who are yet to know their status.

Ndifontah speaking to the press

According to this woman, she only got to know her status last year when she took part in a free screening exercise and since then, she encourages everyone to grab the opportunity when they can.

“Since I was diagnosed, my eating habits have changed. I do not take foods that produce lots of sugar like white corn, white rice, ripe plantains amongst others. I rather feed more on vegetables and other foods that produce less sugar” Ndifontah explained.

Taking of blood pressure

She furthered that knowing your status on time can help you put the disease to check. “Know your numbers” she emphasised.

Buh Nelson is amongst those who came for the free screening at Presbyterian Church Bastos. To him, his uncle insisted he attended the program and check his sugar level and he is glad he did.

“I hesitated but I’m glad I came for the screening. I have been given my results and I’ve gone through counselling too. I have been advised on how to live healthy”. Nelson said.

Registration process

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the blood sugar (glucose) formed from the food consumed by a person. Diabetes therefore results in raised blood sugar levels which, if not controlled, over time lead to serious damage to the body.

The World Health Organization states that hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure, putting them under increased stress. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to pump.

Diabetes and hypertension are non communicable diseases and medics advice that patients run constant checks to be sure of their status so as to avoid any consequence that may arise from a neglected diabetes or hypertension case.

By Sandrine M.