Ministry says has expanded retinal examinations, access to insulin in fight against diabetes

Training in diabetic foot care last month

In its push to address diabetes, the Ministry of Health yesterday said that it has adopted a host of measures including expanded access to diabetic retinal examinations and greater accessibility of key therapeutics such as insulin.

In a statement to mark World Diabetes Day on November 14, the ministry said it  has implemented HbA1C testing as a standard tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, especially for patients needing precise blood sugar management. HbA1C tests provide a three-month average of blood glucose levels, offering a more comprehensive view of blood sugar control over time than traditional glucose tests. The statement said that this advanced screening tool is now accessible in 82 health facilities nationwide.