The Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria (EMSON) has revealed that Nigeria has over eight million people living with diabetes, representing seven per cent of the country’s population living with the disease.
The society further revealed that these statistics, due to inadequate professional care and insufficient healthcare facilities, have resulted in Nigeria having the highest number of diabetes-related amputation rates in the world.
EMSON made this revelation 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 president of EMSON and Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology at Bayero University, Kano, Andrew Uloko, said the theme speaks volumes about diabetes and well-being, and which when taken seriously by Nigerians and the government, will help overcome reluctance to screening, increase access to credible sources of information, dispel myths surrounding the disease, and address poverty and high cost of medications.
The Bayero University don stressed that for Nigeria to reduce the prevalence and risk of diabetes, it has to take seriously the World Health Organisation (WHO) Member States endorsed five global diabetes coverage targets to be achieved by 2030.
He said if Nigeria and Nigerians set the right machinery in motion towards achieving these set targets, it will help reduce completions, amputation, and deaths associated with the disease.
“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,” he added.
Professor Uloko advised Nigerians to take advantage of the society’s press statements, communique, media chats and interviews, public lectures, free public screening for diabetes and associated conditions, training of healthcare practitioners, and continuous research activities to know how to prevent and manage the disease.
The public relations officer (PRO) of EMSON and Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Michael Olamoyegun, stated that by embracing the theme of this year’s World Diabetes Day, Nigerian society and government can make significant strides in promoting a healthier population, ultimately reducing the prevalence and impact of diabetes across the country.
Professor Olamoyegun noted that lack of proper information, unfounded sociocultural beliefs, and improper treatment are some of the reasons Nigeria’s diabetes rate is among the highest in the world.
“For example, many Nigerians who develop diabetes foot ulcerations usually attribute it to a spiritual attack. This usually makes them go to spiritual houses and traditionalists before presenting in the hospitals in advanced stages,” he said.
The EMSON PRO said the theme ‘Breaking the barriers, bridging the gaps’ will apply well to Nigeria and Nigerians if they can break the barriers to access to healthcare infrastructure; increase access to medications and supplies; train community health workers; address and reduce socio-cultural barriers, stigma and myths; make positive lifestyle changes; bridge policy and financial gaps for low-income populations, among others.
“Although diabetes is not curable, it can be managed effectively with diet, medications, physical exercise, and regular follow-up in the clinic,” he said.
In light of this, the LAUTECH don emphasised that stigmas and misconceptions about the disease should be addressed to encourage people with diabetes to seek help.
He also advocated creating low-cost insurance options, expanding public health funding for diabetes, and providing financial assistance programmes for low-income families of people living with the disease.
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