Expert Raises the Alarm over Rising Diabetes Cases
Omolabake Fasogbon
A leading Nigerian diabetologist, Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade, has raised concerns over the alarming rise in diabetes cases, warning of a potential 46 per cent surge by 2045.
Fasanmade, a consultant endocrinologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, highlighted the dire consequences of this trend, including increased hospitalisations, kidney failure, blindness, and cardiovascular diseases.
He spoke at a virtual media roundtable meeting organised by a pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk to commemorate the 2024 World Diabetes Day, themed, ‘Breaking The Barriers, Bridging The Gaps’.
“Diabetes is a major driver of hospital admissions in Nigeria. Walk into any hospital, and you will find many beds occupied by people with diabetes,” he said.
The expert emphasised the urgent need for intervention, particularly in terms of prevention and early detection. He stressed the importance of regular screening, healthy lifestyle choices, and timely medical attention to manage the condition effectively.
“Less than three per cent of Nigerians with diabetes achieve their health goals due to poor medication adherence and rising treatment costs,” Fasanmade lamented.
He called on the government to prioritize diabetes care, increase funding for research, and implement policies to reduce the cost of diabetes medications. Additionally, he urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise and a balanced diet.
“The economic burden of diabetes is immense, and it is crucial to take proactive measures to address this growing health crisis,” Fasanmade said.
The diabetologist also warned against the dangers of using unapproved diabetes medications capable of worsening conditions, adding that medicines should be purchased from authorized pharmacies upon consultation with healthcare professionals.
In particular, he advised patients to be wary of unapproved medicines especially those with labels written in foreign languages, adding that English is the only language for drug labelling.
