By KPC Reporter
Hundreds of families, healthcare professionals, corporate partners and diabetes advocates are expected to converge at Nairobi’s Carnivore Grounds on Saturday for the Kenya Diabetes Management and Information Centre (DMI) Annual Diabetes Walk.
This is a long-running initiative aimed at supporting children and young adults living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
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The event, now in its 25th year, seeks to raise awareness about diabetes, encourage early diagnosis, reduce stigma and mobilise resources to improve the lives of young people managing the lifelong condition.
This year’s walk will be held under the theme “Let’s Walk, Give, and Change Lives Together”, highlighting the need for collective action to address the challenges faced by children and young adults living with Type 1 Diabetes.
According to DMI, many young people living with T1D in Kenya continue to struggle with inconsistent access to insulin, blood glucose monitoring supplies and specialised care.
They also face stigma, misconceptions about the disease and difficulties storing and administering insulin, particularly while at school.
The organisation noted that the financial burden of managing diabetes, coupled with the need for regular clinic visits and constant monitoring, places significant pressure on affected families.
“Many children and young adults living with T1D in Kenya continue to face significant challenges in managing their condition,” DMI said, citing barriers ranging from access to medication to limited public awareness.
Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, requiring patients to rely on lifelong insulin therapy.
Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, which is often linked to lifestyle factors, Type 1 Diabetes largely develops during childhood or adolescence and cannot currently be prevented.
Globally, the incidence of Type 1 Diabetes among children has been rising, with health experts warning that delayed diagnosis can lead to life-threatening complications.
In Kenya, patient advocates have consistently called for greater access to insulin, affordable monitoring devices and stronger support systems within schools and communities.
Since its inception in 2001, the DMI walk has become one of Kenya’s most recognised diabetes awareness events, bringing together government agencies, healthcare professionals, development partners, the corporate sector, families and the public in a united effort to support affected children.
Organisers say media coverage will play a key role in amplifying the importance of early diagnosis, access to quality diabetes care and the inspiring stories of children and young adults who continue to thrive despite living with the condition.
“We look forward to your presence and partnership as we work together to inspire hope and transform lives,” said DMI Board Chairperson and Consultant Physician/Endocrinologist Dr Rosemary Wanjiru.
The walk will take place on July 11 from 7.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. at Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi, with organisers providing opportunities for interviews with healthcare professionals, caregivers, beneficiaries and DMI leadership.
