300,000 Ugandans are Diabetic- Dr Ruth Aceng

300,000 Ugandans are living with diabetes, the ministry of health has revealed.

This was contained in a statement issued by Minister of health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng as Uganda joined the rest of the world to commemorate Diabetes Day on Thursday.

The Minister said available figures indicate that there are 300,000 Ugandans living with diabetes. She added that eight out of 10 diabetic patients in the country are unaware they have the disease.

According to the minister, the persons only come to know when they start developing complications like blindness, kidney failure or stroke.

In line with this year's theme, "the Family and Diabetes", the ministry has embarked on a public awareness campaign. Dr Aceng said diabetes has an impact on the family, yet the family has power to prevent, care and control the disease.

Dr Aceng said the risk factors for diabetes like any other Non-Communicable Diseases include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol.

She said health facilities will be equipped with necessary machines, drugs and other supplies. Health workers will also go for community outreaches.