THE Zimbabwe Diabetes Association (ZDA) has partnered healthcare professionals, including doctors and pharmacists, to raise public awareness and provide essential information about diabetes care and the importance of accessing medication. This was revealed by Bulawayo Diabetes Federation chairperson Violet Moyo on Saturday during the organisation’s monthly meeting held in the city. Bulawayo Diabetes Federation is an affiliate of ZDA, a non-profit humanitarian organisation that supports individuals living with diabetes and those at risk, along with other healthcare providers.
The meeting aimed at also educating attendees about diabetes, its symptoms and how to manage and live with the condition. For those already diagnosed, the session provided practical guidance on how to control and cope with diabetes in everyday life. Although attendance was low, the meeting proved to be insightful.
Moyo encouraged both people living with diabetes and those not to attend such informative gatherings. “It is important to adhere to prescribed medications and to always carry your medication and snacks wherever you go,” Moyo said. ZDA member Mavis Chiparudza said some medication might affect patients mentally and physically.
[paywall]
“Some of the medications we use also affect our mental and physical health,” she said. Another ZDA member, Mirriam Moyo, said her doctor prescribed Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) and she started experiencing bleeding gums, pus in her teeth and weakening enamel. “It wasn’t until a junior doctor told me to stop taking it that the symptoms subsided,” she said.
[/paywall]
