Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, has raised concerns over the large number of Nigerians living with undiagnosed diabetes, stressing the potential for severe complications if left unattended.

The chairman of the association in the state, Dr. Adenike Enikuomehin, issued the warning during a sensitization visit to Aquinas College, Akure, the state capital, on the occasion of this year’s World Diabetes Day.

With the theme for this year tagged ‘Access to Diabetes Care,’ Enikuomehin stated that the association is poised to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention of diabetes-related complications.

According to her, there is a critical need for Nigerians to prioritise regular health checks, even in the absence of symptoms, stressing that early detection of diabetes often leads to avoidable complications.

While addressing the students, the medical expert underscored the urgency for intensive advocacy and education on the dangers associated with undiagnosed diabetes.

She said: “The students can talk to their parents about the need to regularly check their blood glucose. Early in life, they will know what diabetes is and be able to identify any symptoms of it.

“Education is power. The majority of people who have diabetes don’t even know they have it.

“Diabetes comes with symptoms of excessive urination and weight loss. But most people present with symptoms of complications. They can come with diabetic foot ulcers, painful sensations in the leg, erectile dysfunction, palpitations, heart attacks, and poor eyesight.”

The principal of the school, Mr. Adebisi Jimbola, commended the team for the educational sessions, emphasising that the students have been exposed to the risks of diabetes.

“Students and children nowadays are very lucky because during our days we were not exposed to things like this. We were meant to believe that when this happened, you were either attacked by one spirit or the other.

“But now the students are exposed to those things that may cause diabetes. And they have been told about many things about diabetes, and they have gained a lot.

“The visit is a blessing to this school. We were ignorant of some issues. There were a lot of things we did not know about diabetes, and there are a lot of things we did not know about the symptoms.

For the students, the message passed is not for them alone, as they promised to be agents of change in the fight against diabetes.