Wanted: A holistic approach to diabetes control

The diabetes epidemic is escalating at an alarming rate, and the recently commemorated World Diabetes Day (WDD) is only a reminder that it is crucial to confront the stark realities surrounding this health crisis. With over 24 million people living with diabetes in Africa and more than 800 million globally, the urgency for effective strategies to combat this disease has never been more pressing.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for most cases when the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce enough insulin. This type has seen a dramatic rise in prevalence over the past three decades across all income levels, primarily attributed to factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and increasing obesity rates.
 
The modern lifestyle, characterised by sedentary habits and high-calorie diets filled with processed foods and sugary drinks, has significantly contributed to this epidemic. Notably, Type 2 diabetes is no longer confined to adults; it is increasingly affecting children as well.
 
On the other hand, Type 1 diabetes, often referred to as juvenile diabetes, results from the pancreas producing little or no insulin. While both types of diabetes pose significant health risks, including heart disease, kidney failure, and amputations, the growing incidence of Type 2 diabetes presents a particularly urgent challenge for public health.
 
Despite notable strides made by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health through initiatives like the iCARE programme and partnerships with organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Novo Nordisk, there remains a critical need for a multifaceted approach to combat this health crisis effectively. The current strategies must be expanded and strengthened to address treatment and prevention.