Delayed Diabetes Diagnosis Costs Former Mechanic Both Legs

Bonney Byamukama, 58, a former mechanic from Kampala’s Kisekka Market, now faces life from a wheelchair in Wakiso District after a prolonged delay in diagnosing his diabetes. His struggle began nearly five years ago with persistent fevers and fatigue, symptoms he initially treated with over-the-counter painkillers and traditional remedies.

“I relied on painkillers like Panadol until my condition worsened,” Byamukama shared. “My eyesight became blurry, I grew very weak and eventually became bedridden for three months.” He admitted that his grief following his wife’s death in 2017 and the fear of leaving his children alone contributed to his reluctance to seek formal medical help.

In 2021, a small foot wound developed, which worsened into a severe, foul-smelling infection. Despite trying various herbal treatments that drained his savings, the infection persisted. Community efforts eventually led to him being hospitalized, where he was diagnosed with diabetes. However, the advanced tissue damage necessitated the amputation of his right leg.

Shortly after, his remaining leg also showed signs of infection, leading to a second, life-saving amputation. Post-surgery challenges, including financial constraints and the inability to afford regular transport for outpatient care, compounded his difficulties. The lack of funds also prevents him from adhering to a prescribed diet and purchasing necessary medical supplies like insulin.

Medical experts emphasize that Byamukama’s experience underscores the severe consequences of unmanaged high blood sugar, which can lead to nerve and blood vessel damage, resulting in serious complications like amputations. Diabetes prevalence in Uganda has seen a significant rise, with non-communicable diseases accounting for a substantial portion of deaths.

Byamukama now urges the public to take early diabetes symptoms seriously and seek regular screenings. “If I had gone for a test when I first noticed the warning signs, I might not have reached this point,” he stated. His primary focus remains on his children’s education and well-being, hoping for support to keep them in school and to acquire land for his family.

For more information, visit: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-delayed-diabetes-diagnosis-cost-former-kampala-mechanic-both-legs-5619138