the incidence of obesity and chronic disease in africa. early diagnosis is key,and to this end, there is a need for proactive action at all stages of an individual’s life cycle, said kengne. he explains what he terms the “life course approach”to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, which should essentially start at the phase of planned pregnancy. “this entails ensuring that the expectant mother follows the correct diet, is not exposed to any health risks and that her weight and that of the baby are monitored throughout the pregnancy. this approach to health and diet should be taken throughout the lives of mother and child,” kengne said. obesity and related diabetes that presents early in life is far harder to manage, he points out. “our mistake is to wait until people have already developed the disease, rather than using an approach which promotes healthy choices and will prevent it from developing in the first place.” kengne will be speaking at the public health conference,which will form part of the 8th annual africa health exhibition & congress 2018 taking place from may 29 -- 31 at the gallagher convention centre in johannesburg. the event is expected to attract more than 10 100 healthcare professionals and over 553 leading international and regional healthcare and pharmaceutical suppliers, manufacturers and service providers. — supplied.