THE CHALLENGE OF DIABETES

The World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14th, is not only commemorated for the discovery of insulin but also to raise awareness about a chronic, incurable lifestyle disease. This year's theme, 'Early action on diabetes,' marks the start of a two-year campaign (2026-2027) focusing on early diagnosis, risk reduction, and access to care.

The federal government and other stakeholders must take this public health emergency more seriously, especially considering the alarming prevalence of diabetes in Nigeria, as warned by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Nigerians suffering from diabetes must adhere to regular medical check-ups, medication as prescribed, and necessary lifestyle changes.

Diseased with an inability to regulate blood sugar, diabetes can lead to various health complications such as stroke, kidney diseases, heart disease, vision loss, amputations, bone disease, depression, among others. The disease is linked to thousands of deaths daily in Nigeria. It is a silent killer that affects all age groups and social divides.

Nigeria lacks adequate integration of diabetes care into primary healthcare, which makes access harder. Most primary health facilities have no budget or medication for diabetics, and the few specialists are deployed to secondary and tertiary facilities, away from needy communities.

The increasing number of diabetics in Nigeria is attributed to several factors, with cost of management being the most significant. Market surveys show that treatment is increasingly expensive, and with over 129 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, many cannot afford diabetes medication. This forces many to either stop treatment or resort to harmful unscientific methods.

For middle-class Nigerians, out-of-pocket payment for drugs could push them into poverty. The poor face an already predetermined fate. To help the poor, the government should prioritize enrolling them into the nation’s health insurance scheme to help with medication costs.

Stakeholders should integrate diabetes care into primary health facilities. This would eliminate accessibility issues and ensure timely care. The government, at all levels, should follow the International Federation of Diabetes and WHO's lead by designating diabetes as a public health emergency. This would ensure the disease receives the funding and quick decision-making necessary to address its challenges.

Citizens must also play their part in preventive measures, such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, limiting sugar intake, and avoiding processed foods.