14.6 million Africans Die of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Conditions Before 70 Years

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

It has been disclosed that 14, 620,000 people from low and middle income countries, mainly Africa die of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases before the age of 70.

The Executive Vice-President, Diagnostics, Africa at Roche Diagnostics, Dr. Allan Pamba stated this in a statement to commemorate November, which is World Diabetes Awareness Month.

Pamba said that African countries were the worst afflicted accounting for 86 per cent of the 17 million people that die of Non-communicable diseases before the age of 70.

He attributed the prevalence to forces including, rapid unplanned urbanisation and the globalisation of unhealthy lifestyles.

To commemorate the World Diabetes Awareness Month and the World Diabetes Day marked on November 14, he urged the people to make a choice through increased access to diagnostics and integrating self-monitoring routine care that will enable them to take control of their health and live full, productive lives.

The approach would align with the global target set by the World Health Organization for diabetes care by 2030, advocating for universal access to these life-saving resources.

He explained that many African healthcare systems were facing significant challenges, while regular screenings remain limited, particularly in the rural areas.

He raised alarm about Type 1 and 2 diabetes that were rapidly becoming one of Africa’s most pressing health challenges, mirroring the global rise in non-communicable diseases.

“While Type 1 diabetes is no less severe a health problem, Type 2 is the one we can choose to take control of. Like Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 is caused by insufficient insulin production or the inability of the body to use insulin effectively. Being overweight, making uninformed dietary choices, consuming alcohol or tobacco products and being physically inactive are contributing factors. This has been observed in 95 per cent of people diagnosed.

Diabetes can present in stealthy ways, often presenting symptoms only in the late stages, which is one of the primary reasons it usually goes undetected. In fact, more than half (54 per cent) of people living with diabetes in the African Region are undiagnosed,” Pamba said.

He warned that uncontrolled blood sugar in people living with diabetes can lead to severe damage across various organs, while heart and blood vessel damage raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes by two to three times.

He added that in the lower limbs, poor blood flow, slow healing and nerve damage (neuropathy) can result in diabetic foot ulcers, potentially leading to amputation.

The statement ronic damage to the retinal blood vessels, known as diabetic retinopathy, can impair vision and lead to blindness. Diabetes is also a leading cause of kidney failure and can worsen outcomes in infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV.

He observed that half of those living with diabetes remain undiagnosed; half of those diagnosed do not receive the care they need, and only half of those in treatment are reaching their targets.

Pemba equally lamented the rise in cases of overweight and obesity levels across Africa due to sedentary lifestyle and consumption of fast food often high in calories, unhealthy fats, sugar and salt. Also health systems that are not equipped to deal with the challenge are already under strain.