MUHIMBILI National Hospital (MNH) is set to come up with a modern device that diagnoses diabetes through saliva.

Prof. Mohamed Janabi, MNH Executive Director,   unveiled  this in Dar es Salaam at the weekend shortly after the hospital received various medical equipment worth 125m/-, including devices designed to improve visibility of blood vessels and nerves during surgeries.

He explained that, due to the increasing global use of advanced medical technologies, the hospital which has national and international reputation, intends to offer a variety of cutting-edge healthcare services.

The equipment was handed over by Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian to Health Minister Jenista Mhagama during an event held at the hospital in Dar es Salaam.

“We will notify the public through the media once we’re ready,” said Prof. Janabi.

According to health experts, diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect anyone. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 830 million people worldwide have diabetes, the figure that is four times higher than it was 40 years ago.

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to properly utilise the glucose (sugar) produced and found in the bloodstream.

Normally, glucose itself is not harmful, as it provides energy to all the body's cells. However, some tissues require insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, to allow glucose to enter the cells more easily and be converted into energy.

Complications from diabetes can lead to heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure and amputations.

Despite the risks, many people with diabetes are unaware they have the condition. Lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of type-two diabetes.