Diabetes and hypertension are two significant health burdens globally.
Diabetes:
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), as of 2021, approximately 463 million adults (aged 20-79) were living with diabetes worldwide. This number is expected to rise to 700 million by 2045 if current trends continue.
The burden of diabetes is not limited to high prevalence. It also contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Complications associated with diabetes include cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, blindness, lower limb amputations, and neuropathy. In 2021, an estimated 4.2 million deaths were attributed to diabetes.
The economic burden of diabetes is also substantial. The costs associated with diabetes include medical expenses, loss of productivity, and reduced quality of life. Managing and treating diabetes requires ongoing healthcare resources, medications, regular monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.
Hypertension:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension affects approximately 1.13 billion people globally. It is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
Hypertension is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it usually does not have noticeable symptoms. Many people with hypertension are unaware of their condition until it leads to a serious health event. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to the development of hypertension.
The burden of hypertension includes both health and economic aspects. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other complications. Hypertension-related costs include healthcare expenditures, medication costs, and productivity losses due to disability and premature death.
Addressing the burden of diabetes and hypertension requires a comprehensive approach that includes awareness campaigns, early detection, lifestyle modifications, access to affordable healthcare, and effective management strategies. Public health initiatives, education, and policies that promote healthy living, regular screenings, and improved access to treatment are crucial in reducing the burden of these conditions globally.
Gunjur Youths for Health(GYH) in its efforts to combatting this menace, is again organizing her monthly Diabetes and Hypertension screening in Gunjur Village, at Bai Kunda Junction from the hours of 9:00 am to 14:00.
NB: The Visitors are advised to come fasting(I.e. without eating anything), but this does not stop us from screening anybody. However the fasting state is more preferable.
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