Managing diabetes, Eastleigh style: Resilience, recipes, and community support

In Eastleigh, Nairobi, amidst the ever busy markets and lively street food stalls, lives a silent struggle managing diabetes. For many families here, the diagnosis becomes a thread woven into their everyday lives, a constant dance between affordability, tradition, and medical advice.

Mohammed Bilan, a father of three, remembers the day his wife, Faduma, received her diagnosis. "It was like the ground opened up," he sighs, his eyes holding the memory of shock. Faduma, a skilled tailor, had to adapt her livelihood, shifting to smaller, less physically demanding projects. Their diet, a staple of rice and chapati, underwent a delicate recalibration, incorporating more vegetables and lean protein.

"We used to love chapati with everything," laughs their eldest daughter, Zahra, "but now, avocado and cucumber is our weekend treat." Yet, the change hasn't been easy. "Missing out on samosas with friends is hard," she admits, a flicker of longing in her eyes.

Affordability is another hurdle. Medication can be expensive, forcing families to prioritize, sometimes skipping doses to stretch their resources. "That's why community support is crucial," says Dr. Alfred Wekesa, a Nairobi-based physician who runs diabetes awareness workshops. "We teach families about affordable alternatives, like using fenugreek seeds to control blood sugar."

He stresses the importance of education, dispelling myths surrounding the disease. "Diabetic snacks aren't just lettuce and water," he smiles. "There are delicious ways to manage your diet, using local ingredients like sweet potatoes and mangoes in moderation."

And manage they do. Grace Ndung’u, a young woman diagnosed in her twenties, runs a food stall specialising in diabetic-friendly snacks. "I know the struggle," she says, packing a bowl of spiced chickpeas for a customer. "We need tasty, affordable options that don't compromise health."

The stories of Mohammed, Faduma, Zahra, and countless others paint a portrait of resilience in the face of challenge. Their journey with diabetes is not simply a medical one, but a testament to the strength of community, the ingenuity of resourcefulness, and the enduring sweetness of life, even when circumstances threaten to make it bitter.