Work together to fight against diabetes in Nigeria, Endocrinologist urges stakeholders

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

A Consultant Endocrinologist at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr Jokotade Adeleye, has called on health decision makers and other stakeholders to work together to reduce the burden of diabetes on Nigerians.

Adeleye made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Thursday, in commemoration of the 2024 World Diabetes Day.

According to her, effectively addressing the dangers portended by diabetes will require various approaches, alongside integrated multi-sectoral interventions at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of care.

Adeleye advocated for increased awareness on diabetes mellitus and the need for provision of adequate resources for management and prevention of the disease.

“We need to extend and integrate effective diabetes care to primary and secondary levels of healthcare, improve standards of care and access to care so as to promote more optimal organisation and delivery of care for persons living with the disease.

“There is the pressing need for effective education and training of health care personnel in Nigeria to enable provision of good quality diabetes-related education and care.

“Also, provision of universal health coverage, funding and promotion of diabetes-related research to enable collection of accurate data on the burden of diabetes are paramount.

“This is essential for the development and evaluation of preventive procedures, public health and health care services,” she said.

The medical expert described diabetes mellitus as a chronic condition that occurs when the pancreas can no longer make insulin or the body cannot effectively use insulin.

This, according to her, results in excess levels of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia).

Adeleye listed the common symptoms of diabetes to include: frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, unexpected weight loss and tiredness.

Regarding the prevention and management of diabetes, she said early diagnosis as well as achieving and maintaining good blood glucose levels were essential.

This, she said, would enable persons living with diabetes live healthy and reduce the risk of developing complications.

“Effective treatment of diabetes includes: learning as much as one can about diabetes, good self-care and regular routine health checks.

“Also, making healthy food choices, regular physical activity, weight loss for those who are overweight or obese, monitoring the blood glucose level on a regular basis and taking medications as prescribed by the doctor will be helpful,” she said.

NAN reports that World Diabetes Day is marked annually on Nov. 14, with this year’s theme being: “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”.

According to Adeleye, the day provides an opportunity to raise awareness globally about diabetes and emphasise the collective and individual actions needed to improve the prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition.

She said that the theme highlighted the need for collective commitment to reducing the risk and burden of diabetes and striving to ensure that everyone diagnosed with diabetes had access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable and quality treatment and care.

(NAN)