The Lions Club Nakuru has stepped in to support the Ministry of Health efforts in the fight against diabetes.
Through the ‘Free Lions Diabetic Clinic’, established in October 2008, the charitable group has been helping locals in Nakuru and its environs.
The clinic situated within Nakuru’s Lions Primary School compound is open to patients every Thursday 7.00am to 8.00am with free services offered.
Through Lions Club of Nakuru and well-wishers, drugs are acquired from COSMOS Pharmaceuticals Ltd Nairobi at an affordable price.
Dr.Shanti Haria who is part of the medical team at the ‘Free Lions Diabetic Clinic’ in an interview on Thursday morning attributed many cases of diabetes to lifestyle.
He noted that with blood pressure, food, drinks, and lack of enough exercise for the body has contributed to the same.
“We started this so that we can help the community where the majority are suffering and at times cannot afford the medical expenses. Here we give every service for free” said Dr.Hari.
At the clinic, the majority of those attended are senior citizens with Dr.Hari stating that this is due to the fact that with old age comes laziness to exercise, some genetic factors too contribute.
He also revealed that with advance in age, the insulin production goes down and this can trigger diabetes.
“Old age comes with its challenges. The production of insulin goes down and that is the reason why many old people might develop diabetes” he said.
Apart from the normal clinics, Lions Club of Nakuru has also been organizing for free medical camps in the community to reach out to those who cannot make it to the clinic.
Dr.Hari’s message to the community is for everyone to ensure they have regular check-ups for their blood sugar levels as well as blood pressure.
“We always do community medical camps to help people know that they have to go for regular check-ups” said Dr.Hari.
Apart from Dr.Hari, the other team members include Lions Sailesh Seth,Mishal Seyth,Arun Shah,Naeem Bhola,and Receptionist Cecilia Muriithi.
People with diabetes are at risk of losing sight due to diabetes eye disease.
But with initiatives such as ‘Free Lions Diabetic Clinic’ such can be avoided through early check-ups and diagnosis as well as medication.
Lions Sailesh Seth- a member of the Lions Club of Nakuru says plans are underway to have specialized doctors from Lions Sight first Hospital in Loresho to come to Nakuru and help address some of the challenges facing people.
Currently there are one million persons living with diabetes and the problem is growing very fast and so are the complications.
The World Health Organization estimates that over 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, a growing world epidemic that is expected to affect over 642 million by 2040.