Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital, Professor Mohammed Janabi’s recent keynote address at the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt) Monthly Engagement revealed the hidden culprit behind a multitude of health issues.
The Hidden Menace: Insulin Resistance
In his opening remarks, Professor Janabi captivated the audience by posing a thought-provoking question: “Dear CEO, do you know you are dying in installments?” This question set the tone for an eye-opening exploration of a health crisis that extends far beyond personal well-being.
Professor Janabi revealed that the underlying issue behind a range of devastating health problems, including fatty liver disease, chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, increased blood sugar, and reduced immunity, is none other than Insulin Resistance. He emphasized that these health challenges are merely symptoms of a greater problem, often leading to severe strokes, kidney failure, cancer, and dementia, among others.
Insulin Resistance: The Devastating Culprit
Professor Janabi posed that Insulin Resistance is the most costly and deadly issue, reducing the quality of life over a prolonged period of 10-20 years. To put it into perspective, of the world’s most deadly diseases, including Cancer, Heart Disease, Hypertension, Stroke, and Diabetes, Insulin Resistance emerges as the central component, with a staggering 364% higher fatality rate than cancer.
It was in this revelation that he highlighted the profound socio-economic impact of Insulin Resistance. As a root cause of many health problems, it places a substantial burden on healthcare systems, productivity, and overall well-being.
A Message of Hope: Prevention and Reversal
While the situation might seem dire, Professor Janabi also shared a message of hope. He championed a shift in focus, advocating for “insulin and not calories.” His prescription for a healthier life and a healthier society is to consume real food while avoiding sugar and processed starch.
For those already in the early stages of these health issues, Professor Janabi’s advice is that reversal is not only possible but also achievable through simple lifestyle changes. He passionately advocated for low carbohydrate intake and introduced his personal favorite, intermittent fasting, as a powerful tool for reversing the damage accrued over time.
The Power of Intermittent Fasting
Delving deeper into the benefits of intermittent fasting, Professor Janabi explained that it goes beyond combating Insulin Resistance. Intermittent fasting, he shared, enables individuals to not only reverse the damage but also to shed or maintain body weight, boost immunity through autophagy, and increase life expectancy.
Challenges and Solutions for a Healthier Tanzania
As Professor Janabi concluded his keynote, he extended a challenge to the business community. He emphasized the need to invest in Health Information Systems, citing the example of Muhimbili National Hospital where $68,000 is spent per quarter, yet the systems do not fully address the challenges in healthcare. He called upon local companies to develop and implement cost-effective health information systems, with the aim of improving healthcare delivery and reducing the costs of treatment locally.
Additionally, with a limited number of local factories producing medicine, the pharmaceutical challenges in the country are significant. He urged the business community to explore generic medicine production as a potential breakthrough that can improve access to affordable healthcare for all.
Lastly, he addressed the logistical challenges in the delivery of medicine and medical equipment. Professor Janabi encouraged innovation in this space to ensure that medical advancements reach the masses efficiently, thus improving the overall healthcare landscape in Tanzania.
Professor Mohammed Janabi’s keynote address revealed the gravity of Insulin Resistance and also served as a call to action for leaders to adopt a healthy lifestyle to improve the quality of life for enhanced leadership performance .