World Diabetes Day: Over 8 million Nigerians diabetic, significant number undiagnosed ─ LAUTECH Don

Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Michael Olamoyegun, has stated that over 8 million adults are living with diabetes in Nigeria with a significant number of undiagnosed cases, which is enough to necessitate an urgent need for a comprehensive, community-based approach that will promote diabetes prevention and quality care for patients.

Professor Olamoyegun, who is the public relations officer (PRO) of the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria (EMSON), said this on Thursday on the occasion of the 2024 World Diabetes Day, observed every November 14, with the theme ‘Breaking the barriers, bridging the gaps’.

The LAUTECH don noted that the theme was apt in the sense that it focuses on promoting well-being across multiple dimensions: physical, mental, and societal health.

He further noted that the theme aims to support people with diabetes in managing their condition comprehensively by emphasising physical health and mental resilience, adding “This year’s initiative also underscores the role of public awareness in reducing the stigma around diabetes and promoting a supportive environment for those affected.”

The EMSON PRO said that this year’s theme is a wake-up call that should motivate government policy and funding towards preventive care, subsidised diabetic screenings and funding for diabetes research, and increased investment in healthcare infrastructure.

He further said this will help address obstacles and hindrances in diabetes care and create more equitable access to healthcare for people living with the disease.

“For example, many Nigerians who develop diabetes foot ulcerations usually attribute it to a spiritual attack. This makes them go to spiritual houses and traditionalists before presenting in the hospitals in advanced stages. This is one of the reasons Nigeria has one of the highest diabetes-related amputation rates in the world,” he said.

Professor Olamoyegun urged the government ─ federal and states ─ to ensure that people across diverse socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds have equal access to quality diabetes care, which will improve diabetes outcomes, prevent complications, and reduce the socioeconomic impact of diabetes in the country.

The president of EMSON and Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology at Bayero University, Kano, Andrew Uloko, noted that the theme will motivate the people and government of Nigeria to look for ways to “Break the barriers, bridge the gaps” in diabetes management and treatment, which will include screening for diabetes, dispelling myths surrounding diabetes, addressing poverty and high cost of diabetes medications, providing adequate competent manpower in hospitals, among others.

Professor Uloko advised persons living with diabetes to pay attention to their physical and mental well-being, access health information and care from credible healthcare practitioners and institutions, avoid self-medications, and curtail stress (physical and mental) as much as possible.

Whether Nigeria will meet WHO Member States endorsed five global diabetes coverage targets to be achieved by 2030, the Bayero University don said, “It is possible if we set the right machinery in motion towards achieving the set targets. It requires a concerted effort by all stakeholders in the diabetes care chain, spanning from the patient (and their families) to the healthcare workers, government and policymakers, and patient support groups.”

On how EMSON is helping to control diabetes in the country, the don said the society grants press statements; organises media chats, interviews, public lectures, free public screening for diabetes and associated conditions, training of healthcare practitioners, continuous research activities, development of guidelines for managing diabetes, and advocacy at various levels.