Don raises alarm as diabetes cases surge, may rise to 783m by 2045

Diabetologist and Consultant Endocrinologist at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade, has sounded an alarm over rising cases of diabetes in Nigeria.

Fasanmade warned that the number of adults living with diabetes worldwide could increase from 537 million in 2021 to 783 million by 2045, a 46 per cent surge. He disclosed this yesterday at a virtual media roundtable to commemorate the World Diabetes Day (WDD) 2024 organised by Novo Nordisk.

Presenting a paper titled: “Diabetes and Factors Impacting People Living with Diabetes (PLWD),” Fasanmade called for urgent intervention from the government, media and the public.

Fasanmade explained that about 94 per cent of people with diabetes are not reaching target, which translates into widespread complications such as kidney failure, blindness, and cardiovascular diseases, high rates of complications and overwhelming hospitals admissions. He said of the already estimated 537 million people with diabetes worldwide, only 50 per cent are diagnosed, a number that is even lower in Africa.

The Consultant Endocrinologist said of those diagnosed, only 25 per cent receive treatment, adding that among those receiving treatment, only 12 per cent achieve clinical targets, such as optimal blood sugar control. He said ultimately, just six per cent of diagnosed patients achieve the desired treatment outcomes, lamenting that in Africa, less than half of diabetes cases are diagnosed.

Fasanmade said in Nigeria, the situation is likely worse estimating that only two to three per cent of patients achieve their health goals due to poor medication adherence and rising treatment costs.

Highlighting the economic impact of untreated diabetes, Fasanmade warned of worsening outcomes if urgent measures are not implemented.

“Diabetes is a major driver of hospital admissions in Nigeria. Walk into any hospital, and you will find many beds occupied by people with diabetes, whether in emergency rooms or medical wards,” Fasanmade said. He attributed this to a combination of undiagnosed cases, inadequate care, and patients skipping medications due to financial constraints.

To address these challenges, Fasanmade called for: stronger prevention efforts, which he said remains the most cost-effective solution. He also called for robust national health insurance scheme to reduce the financial burden on patients, noting that states and private insurance options can also help bridge gaps in care.

Fasanmade also called for affordable medications, adding that policies that lower the cost of diabetes medications and treatments are essential. He said patients should be encouraged to work with healthcare providers to find affordable solutions rather than skipping doses.

Fasanmade further emphasised the collective responsibility of governments, healthcare providers, the media, and the public in tackling the diabetes epidemic.