AS Zimbabwe joins the global community in marking World Diabetes Day today, everyone is reminded that prevention, education and support must span every stage of life.
From schools to workplaces, clinics to communities, the call is clear act early, act together and act with compassion. This year’s theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages”, resonates deeply with the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases and the need for integrated support from childhood to older age. Cimas Health Group Tafadzwa Mungiria said understanding diabetes is the first step toward effective management and prevention.
“Diabetes is a chronic condition where blood glucose remains too high because the body does not make enough insulin, does not make any insulin, or cannot use insulin effectively. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, feet and nervous system,” he said.
Mungiria explained that there are several types of diabetes, each with distinct causes and implications.
“Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing beta cells, resulting in little or no insulin production. It often presents early and requires lifelong insulin therapy,” he said.
“Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. The body becomes resistant to insulin and or doesn’t produce enough insulin. It is linked to genetics, weight and lifestyle and typically develops gradually.
“Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and raises future risk for type 2 diabetes for both mother and child. Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. It significantly increases risk of type 2 diabetes,” Mungiria said.
He went on to say insulin, the hormone at the heart of diabetes, plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar. “Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter cells for energy or storage. In diabetes, insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance leads to high blood glucose levels,” Mungiria said.
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“Insulin therapy replaces or supplements this hormone to keep blood sugar levels in expected target range and prevent complications.” He warned that many people may not recognise the early signs of diabetes, adding that common early symptoms include urinating often, excessive thirst or dry mouth, increased hunger, fatigue, blurry vision and slow-healing wounds.
Other symptoms he mentioned include tingling or numbness in hands or feet and unexplained weight loss (more typical in type 1 diabetes). Some people have mild or unnoticed symptoms, making screening important, Mungiria added. He explained that diagnosis is typically confirmed through blood tests, often confirmed on a second day unless symptoms and values are unequivocal.
This year’s World Diabetes Day theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages”, is a call to action for inclusive and age-sensitive interventions.
“Life-course approach recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is about age-tailored screenings, school and workplace education and elder support services to reflect needs across life stages,” Mungiria said.
“Employers also have a role to play in supporting workers living with diabetes. Reasonable adjustments at the workplace include flexible breaks for glucose checks, meals and medication. Employees should also have access to private spaces and storage for supplies.
“Education and anti-stigma campaign are also useful. Reliable information can be shared internally, helping foster an inclusive culture to reduce discrimination and stress. Health programmes can be set up to offer diabetes prevention programs, wellness initiatives and coverage for diabetes self-management education and support.
“Time off can also help accommodate medical appointments and education courses as needed,” He added. Mungiria pointed out that mental health is another critical factor in diabetes care.
“Mental health and diabetes influence each other. Depression, anxiety, stress and burnout can worsen glycaemic control and self-care. Improving mental health often improves glucose outcomes,” he said.
“Routine screening, access to psychological support and integrating behavioural health into diabetes care enhance management and quality of life.” Mungiria also explained that while type 1 diabetes is not currently preventable, research is ongoing.
“Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune attack on pancreatic beta cells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency. There is currently no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes, though research is exploring risk stratification and immunotherapies to delay onset,” he said.
“Type 2 diabetes, however, is closely linked to lifestyle. Key modifiable factors include excess weight, physical inactivity, poor diet quality, short or disturbed sleep, smoking, chronic stress, prolonged sitting or screen time and environmental exposures. Improving these areas can reduce insulin resistance and lower risk.
“Genetics also play a role. Diabetes has a genetic component. Type 2 diabetes shows a strong familial link, influenced by multiple genes and environment.
“Type 1 diabetes also has genetic risk, but many cases occur without a family history. Having a first-degree relative raises risk, but inheritance does not guarantee disease since lifestyle modification can reduce or stop risk of disease.
“Genomic testing becomes very essential in screening for the diabetes genes as well as through the wellness genomic testing, giving lifestyle advice to prevent the diseases,” Mungiria added. He highlighted that obesity is a major risk factor. Excess adipose tissue especially visceral fat drives insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, elevating blood sugar and increasing type 2 diabetes risk.
“The risk rises roughly in step with the body mass index (BMI) and is influenced by fat distribution, with abdominal obesity particularly impactful.
“The good news is that prediabetes can often be reversed with sustained lifestyle changes such as weight loss, dietary improvements and regular physical activity. Intensive lifestyle interventions reduce progression to type 2 diabetes and can normalise glucose over months to years, though timelines vary by individual,” Mungiria said.
He noted that dietary habits are central to prevention saying people must promote consumption of non-starchy foods such as vegetables, berries, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins, fatty fish, nuts, seeds and unsaturated fats.
“Limit or reduce refined carbohydrates, sugar-sweetened beverages, ultra-processed foods and excess saturated fats. These patterns support weight management and better glycaemic control,” Mungiria said.
“Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, supports weight management and lowers the cardiovascular risk. Any movement helps, more is better, and starting earlier yields larger benefits. Even simple routines, such as walking after meals have measurable effects.” Stress, often overlooked, can worsen diabetes outcomes. Mungiria explained that stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisol) raise blood sugar and can hinder selfcare.
“Chronic stress is linked with higher glucose variability and complications risk. Stress management in the form of sleep, relaxation techniques, social support and structured problem solving, helps stabilise diabetes control,” he said. Mungiria also highlighted exciting developments in treatment. Incretin therapies, dual and triple agonists (such as GLP1/GIP, GLP1/GIP/GCGR) show strong effects on glucose, weight and cardiometabolic health. oral options are expanding access.
Tech innovation is also helping with broader use of continuous glucose monitoring, smart insulin delivery and decision support software improves time-in-range and treatment ease. Emerging interventions (such as ReCET combined with GLP1 therapy) show promise to reduce insulin needs in type 2 diabetes, pending confirmatory trials. Early clinical work explores cell-based therapies for recent-onset type 1 diabetes.
“Lifestyle changes remain a cornerstone of diabetes control. Many people with type 2 diabetes can achieve substantial improvements with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, diet quality, physical activity and stopping smoking,” Mungiria said.
“However, medication is often needed to meet safe targets and prevent complications; the decision is individualised based on glucose levels and risk profile.
“At Cimas, we would like advise newly diagnosed patients you are not alone and effective management is possible. Our vision as Cimas is to inspire healthier communities and we are committed to value-based care that measures outcomes and supports better results for people living with diabetes.
“Learn your condition, build a care team and focus on consistent daily habits such as monitoring, nutrition, exercise and stress management. Utilise iGo wellness benefits. Early, proactive care prevents complications and protects your long-term health,” he added.
The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo Wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. — [email protected]/ WhatsApp: 0772 161 829/ phone 024-2773 0663.
