One In Five COVID-19 Deaths In Africa Caused By Diabetes.

The World Health Organization said 18.3 percent or nearly one in five COVID-19-19 deaths in Africa are as a result of diabetes amongst the COVID-19 patients in an analysis of 14 African countries.

According to WHO scientists, people living with diabetes have higher chances of dying if infected with the COVID-19 virus, reports indicated that the risk of death is more than two times higher than with non-diabetic patients.

The organization noted that although Africa’s incidence rates of people with diabetes remain relatively low, the trend of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa has been a source of concern as the disease burden is escalating.

The data shows that 19 million people of the 436 million globally who live with diabetes are in sub-Saharan Africa, about 60% of them were unaware of their condition, the highest of all regions.

Health analysts said that the number of people with diabetes is expected to increase by 48% in 2030 and by 143% in 2045. Africa’s economic account for diabetes estimated at &9.5 billion in 2019 and is expected to increase to $17.4 billion by 2045.

The WHO is however working with African countries to train more nurses and other health workers to expand access to diabetes prevention and care services.

The campaign is done through the WHO Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease Interventions for Primary Health Care in Low-Resource Settings. Over twenty-five countries have adopted the package and are working to decentralize and improve early diabetes detection and patient care.

According to the organization, Africa has so far recorded 46,626 deaths, a number that is much lower in both absolute and per capita terms than those of Europe and the Americas.

“World Diabetes Day is a key moment to call attention to this chronic illness, which is increasingly threatening the lives of Africans.’’ World Diabetes Day is marked on 14 Nov. every year.” WHO said.

What Is Diabetes

According to Wikipedia, Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period of time.

Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased appetite. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications.

Acute complications can include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or death. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, damage to the nerves, damage to the eyes, and cognitive impairment.