Diabetes is a growing global health crisis affecting millions of people, including right here in Zambia. My Mother, born 15 September 1948, was diagnosed with diabetes about 10 years ago. Recently, she had to undergo an above-the-knee amputation on her right leg, a heart-breaking outcome of this silent disease.
In Zambia, the prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing, reflecting global trends of rising non-communicable diseases. Based on the 2017 Zambia STEPS survey, about 4.8%* of adults have diabetes, and many more are in the pre-diabetic stage. Diabetes is more common in older age groups, with prevalence increasing significantly in those aged 45 years and older.
I was encouraged to write this article by Anna at Lusaka Times (LusakaTimes.com), who understood this heart-wrenching personal tragedy that has befallen my family. Never did we imagine that our very own beloved parent would undergo endless days, weeks and months of agony and sleeplessness to the point of confusion and hallucination, where death becomes a more preferable option to facing excruciating pain day after day. No one came to our rescue! But as a family we have pulled together to get through this enormous challenge.
Know this crucial information: Diabetes can be controlled and even reversed, but only if we act early!
The Global Diabetes Epidemic
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 422 million people globally suffer from diabetes. In Zambia, the rise of Type 2 diabetes mirrors this global trend due to poor diet and lifestyle choices.
- Dr. Suneel Dhand explains, diabetes is largely a result of metabolic issues. Refined sugars, processed foods, and sedentary living have led to widespread insulin resistance, the precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
Food Habits and the Cause
- Dr. Eric Berg, an expert in nutrition, emphasizes that food choices are key to preventing and reversing diabetes. Diets high in sugar, processed grains, and unhealthy fats are dangerous! A healthy diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats, such as avocado and fish, can prevent or reverse the disease.
- In Zambia, local staples like ‘nshima’ (refined white maize meal), refined white sugar and sugary beverages contribute significantly to the rise of Type 2 diabetes.
Risk Factors
The main contributing factors that cause diabetes include:
- Obesity. High rates of overweight and obesity, particularly in urban areas, are driving the diabetes epidemic.
- Physical Inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle is a significant contributor, with many Zambians not engaging in sufficient physical activity.
- Diet. Diets high in processed foods and sugars and low in fruits and vegetables exacerbate the risk of diabetes.
- Genetics and Family History. Family history also plays a crucial role, increasing susceptibility.
Prediabetes and Early Warning Signs
- Michigan Foot Doctors stress that symptoms like tingling in the hands and feet are critical early warning signs. These symptoms indicate nerve damage, often linked to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. I was surprised to learn that persistent tingling in the hands and feet may be an already too late indication of nerve damage!
- In Zambia, where healthcare access may be limited, many ignore these signs until it’s too late. My mother’s delayed diagnosis led to nerve damage, resulting in poor circulation and, eventually, gangrene.
Managing and Reversing Diabetes
- Dr. Eric Berg advocates for a low-carb, high-fat diet (keto), which has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reverse Type 2 diabetes in many cases.
- Regular exercise and intermittent fasting can also be powerful tools in managing and potentially reversing the disease.
Treating Diabetes: What Works?
- Dr. Dhand recommends metformin and insulin therapy, but stresses that lifestyle changes are essential for long-term management
- Metformin Therapy. Metformin is an oral medication commonly prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes. It works by lowering glucose production in the liver and improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin, allowing for better blood sugar control. It is often the first line of treatment for people with Type 2 diabetes because it helps maintain stable blood glucose levels without causing significant weight gain.
- Insulin therapy involves injecting insulin, a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. It is essential for Type 1 diabetes and often used in advanced Type 2 diabetes when the body cannot produce enough insulin or regulate blood sugar effectively. Different types of insulin (rapid-acting, long-acting) are used depending on the patient’s needs, and therapy is tailored to maintain blood glucose levels within a target range.
Both therapies aim to prevent complications, such as nerve damage and poor circulation, which can lead to serious conditions like amputations.
2. Regular blood sugar monitoring is critical. Michigan Foot Doctors also emphasize foot care as crucial, particularly for patients at risk of amputation due to poor circulation. They recommend:
- Daily foot inspections – Check for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling
- Moisturizing – Apply lotion but avoid between the toes to prevent fungal infections
- Wearing proper footwear – Use shoes that fit well and avoid barefoot walking
- Trimming nails carefully – Cut nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Seeking early medical attention – Visit a healthcare professional at the first sign of foot issues
These practices are vital for preventing complications like ulcers or amputations.
Caring for a Diabetic Patient
- Taking care of someone with diabetes involves a holistic approach—diet, medication, and physical care.
- When managing diabetic patients at home, it’s essential to regularly check feet, follow the treatment plans, and encourage physical activity to promote circulation.
What foods can we eat?
Turning to traditional local foods can be an effective strategy as these foods are nutrient-dense and help regulate blood sugar levels while providing necessary vitamins and minerals. Some excellent local alternatives include:
-
- Nshima made from Millet or Sorghum
Why? Traditional Nshima is often made from white maize meal, but using millet or sorghum, which have lower glycemic indexes, helps in controlling blood sugar levels. These grains are also rich in fibre, which aids in digestion and prevents spikes in blood sugar - Sweet Potatoes (Chimbwali)
Why? Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index and are rich in fibre and antioxidants like beta-carotene. They help in slower digestion, reducing the rapid rise of glucose levels - Pumpkin Leaves (Chibwabwa)
Why? Rich in vitamins and fibre, pumpkin leaves support a healthy digestive system and help in blood sugar regulation. Their nutrient profile helps combat inflammation, which is essential in managing diabetes - Okra (Delele)
Why? Okra is a traditional vegetable in Zambia known for its fibre content, particularly soluble fibre, which is beneficial for controlling blood glucose levels by slowing sugar absorption. - Groundnuts (Peanuts)
Why? Rich in healthy fats and protein, groundnuts help in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Eaten in moderation, they make for a good snack that doesn’t cause rapid spikes in glucose - Cassava Leaves
Why? Also rich in fibre and low in carbohydrates, cassava leaves are a nutrient-dense vegetable that supports a healthy diet for diabetes management, especially when paired with other high-fibre foods - Beans and Cowpeas (Lupins)
Why? Both are rich in fibre and protein, helping manage diabetes by reducing post-meal glucose spikes and improving insulin sensitivity - Baobab Fruit (Mbuyu)
Why? A superfood packed with fiber and vitamin C. It has a low glycemic index, meaning it slowly releases sugar into the bloodstream, making it ideal for diabetics and for preventing diabetes. - Moringa
Why? Moringa leaves and seeds are high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that help in controlling blood sugar levels. It is widely used in traditional remedies to manage diabetes. - Fish (Kapenta, Bream, Buka-Buka, etc)
Why? Fish is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help in managing inflammation and maintaining steady blood sugar levels.
- Nshima made from Millet or Sorghum
Incorporating these foods, combined with lifestyle changes like increased physical activity and reducing processed sugars, can greatly reduce the risk of diabetes.
Diabetes is Preventable
Diabetes is a silent killer, but it doesn’t have to claim more lives. My mother’s amputation is a stark warning for all Zambians. Watch your diet, stay active, and pay attention to the early warning signs. As Dr. Dhand, Dr. Berg, and the Michigan Foot Doctors advise, it’s never too late to make lifestyle changes that can save your life.
It is said that every cloud has a silver lining: My Mother, once active, vibrant and a leader in the community and government, has shown a strong will to survive this tragic event at the fragile age of 76. In spite selflessly serving her constituency and country, she has not once expressed nor expected any special treatment or concern from her country. I feel let down by our government, but I am inspired by my Mother’s tremendous courage and resolve. Get well soon Mother, I love you dearly!
By Chansa Chipampata
References:
Dr. Suneel Dhand (https://youtu.be/MxeugC5yxFw?feature=shared)
Dr. Eric Berg (https://youtu.be/xpH45c2BrMM?feature=shared)
Michigan Foot Doctors
(https://youtu.be/8U9b36D43xI?feature=shared)
Diabetes mellitus in Zambia and the Western Cape province of South Africa: Prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis and management – PMC (nih.gov).
Zambia : Government Concerned Over Rise in Diabetes Cases In Zambia lusakatimes.com
Prevalence and correlates of pre-diabetes and diabetes among a national population-based sample of adults in Zambia: results of the first national STEPS survey in 2017 |
International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries (springer.com)
It’s unfortunate that Elizabeth Chipampata has found herself in this situation. Indeed, diabetes is very prevalent nowadays, especially type 2. Unfortunately, there are very few specialists and they come at a cost that many Zambians can’t afford. Retired Major General Lumbwe is one of the few specialists and he’s written about the disease. Apart from the free services that he offers annually, I urge sponsors to support him to offer training to clinical officers and junior doctors who’re usually the point of first call for patients. Mismanagement of the disease by some clinicians have caused a lot of damage to patients that has in some cases resulted into death
You are stupid. Why you come to trash your mothers on social media?
You should be going after doctors who cutting off legs of women, insteadof just normal medical treatments . It has become a bad habit. Russians did same in Angola, you will see many Angolans with 1 leg.
A more worthy and helpful Article than HH and digital program
Great article….a needed break from the regular LT “alebwelelapo” based stories.
We need more articles like this rather than Pompwe Lungu….Pompwe HH making headlines every day
Very helpful article. What western medicine and us modern global citizens ignore is that there was no diabetes in Africa before the arrival of the European and thats a fact most scientists are aware of. This indicates we were doing certain things rightly before being influenced by the European diet. This is a diet of processed foods upon processed foods.
Even the Breakfast Mealie meal we are now addicted to wasnt our staple. We ate what is now called roller meal or sorghum, chibwabwa, kalembula potatoes, untreated buffalo or jungle meat. These were very healthy foods.
We have replaced all these with treated foods called fried potatoes or chips, white bread, hamburgers, Coca cola, KFC and Hungry Lion’s junk foods which have dangerous fats. Please citizens read the article above and try eating so called village foods. They are called Natural foods. Eat the mango straight from the tree Dont eat processed foods all the time. The truth is: Diabetes and HBP came with the white man’s processed foods.
Even the Breakfast Mealie meal we are now addicted to wasnt our staple. We ate what is now called roller meal or sorghum. We ate chibwabwa, kalembula potatoes, untreated buffalo or jungle meat. These were very healthy foods.
We have replaced all these with treated foods called fried potatoes or chips, white bread, hamburgers, Coca cola, KFC and Hungry Lion’s junk foods which have dangerous fats.
Mwanawasa banned GMO foods for this reason. People were being exposed too much to processed and American foods!
As a person who was diagnosed with diabetes in 1999 I advise you to take one statement in this article very seriously:
“Know this crucial information: Diabetes can be controlled and even reversed, but only if we act early!”
I took the doctor’s medicine for three months, Did some research and from 2000 the doctor has never seen me again. I stopped the medication. I eat differently. I try by all means to eat pumpkin leaves, and green vegetables, village chicken and all the foods I have mentioned above. I dont take any medication and once in a while enjoy my Mosi.
Not sure that is wise advice
Take note my post above is still being moderated. Given my experience with LT other omitted stuff will pop up later
Sure back then it was called Natural causes and suspected curses
Increased availability of HbA1c testing is crucial for identifying the problem, many people don’t even know they are affected or where the symptoms are coming from
After the death of my mother, her sister I realized that I too was a potential candidate for this deadly disease called diabetes. I saw how they suffered and made a promise to myself to not get it. I made a few minor, not major changes to my lifestyle is all it takes. Exercise and watching what you eat. Ofcouse occasionally I do give myself treats, it doesn’t have to be all boring.
Very true. I forgot one thing in my post above. It was to tell the reader that I exercise every other day. I run at least 6km sometimes more but the important thing is that all the symptoms for diabetes that I had have vanished. Since 2000 I dont have fatigue, night thirst or frequent urination.
HBP and diabetes have more black victims. Their bodies are protesting against the Western diets especially junk foods they are eating. These diseases can be prevented