Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Endocrinologists in Ogun State have expressed concern over the rising cases of diabetes, which they attributed to factors including sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary practices, and poor awareness about the health condition.
According to the specialists, the surge in the number of patients seeking treatment has placed an enormous strain on healthcare systems in the state.
While calling for more targeted interventions to address the rising trend of the disease and prevent further complications, the experts lamented that diabetes was becoming increasingly prevalent among the residents.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise at a programme organised by Talabi Diabetes Centre to mark this year’s World Diabetes Day, the physicians expressed concern that despite the growing number of diabetes cases, healthcare costs were also on the rise, making it difficult for many patients to afford necessary treatments.
The endocrinologists stressed that this financial barrier is worsening the problem, as those without adequate insurance or financial resources often forgo essential medical care.
The acting Director, Talabi Diabetes Centre, Isara Remo, Ogun State, Dr Ayotunde Ale lamented the upsurge in the number of people living with Diabetes in the state.
Ale stated that a recent report showed that 7.2 per cent of about seven million population in the state, translating to about 500,000 are living with Diabetes.
She explained that through the centre’s regular screening for diabetes across the state, it has equally established that “there is an upsurge in the prevalence of Diabetes cases in the state”.
The Medical expert has equally decried the rising cost of Diabetes drugs, saying that most patients now find it difficult to access their medication.
Ale said that the world population living with Diabetes are said to be 345 million and this has been projected to be around 642 million by the year 2040 while the incidence has been predicted to be higher in developing countries like Nigeria.
She said that for Nigeria, 5.7 per cent of its over 200 million population is said to be diabetic.
She further revealed, “However, in Ogun State here, according to 2024 reports of our association, the survey shows that 7.2 per cent of the state population is diabetic and through regular screening for diabetes which Talabi Centre carries out in the state, we have also observed a surge in the number of people with diabetes”
She, however, regretted that it is becoming more challenging economically for diabetes patients to access care because the prices of their drugs have gone astronomically high.
Ale said, “A drug that was about N1000 before is now being sold for over N80,000. A pack of five bottles of insulin sold for N8000 before is now over N80,000.
“We can see this effect on the health of our patients because most of them could no longer afford these drugs, this is part of the reason why we are enlightening our diabetic patients on how to step down complications by controlling their blood sugar, be conscious of their diet, doing regular exercise while taking their medication regularly”
The endocrinologist said that the way out of the hardship and the compounding dilemma the diabetes patients have found themselves in is for the government to come to their aid by helping to subsidise their medications.
She said, “The government should come to our aid, most of these patients can no longer afford to purchase their drugs, they cannot afford the glucometer which they are supposed to use daily to monitor their blood sugar levels.
“Some of these patients are old, some of them are with unemployed children, it is a crucial area the government must intervene to save the people. Cameroon and Ghana are doing something, Nigeria must do something too to help their citizens.”
Another endocrinologist, Dr Abimbola Lawal urged diabetic patients to ensure proper use of their medication while also seeking help before it is too late.
Lawal, who was also the guest lecturer at the event, emphasised that cultivating a healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise, a healthy diet and regular medical checks is crucial to managing diabetes.
The specialist said that though diabetes could be hereditary, unhealthy lifestyles such as eating junk foods, excessive eating, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and inadequate exercise among others are factors that could predispose someone to the illness.
He warned that complications of diabetes include kidney failure, blindness, erectile dysfunction, and psychological disorders, among others.
On his part, the Coordinator of the Centre, Dr Olubiyi Adesina said that the essence of the celebration is to raise awareness about diabetes and call for action to cut down the prevalence, while also educating the patients on what they can do to better manage the ailment.
Adesina said, “The theme for this year is Diabetes and Well-being, and so we are telling the diabetic patients to keep their blood sugar under control or else there will be consequences on other parts of the body.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: health_wise@punchng.com
The post Endocrinologists worry over diabetes surge in Ogun appeared first on Healthwise.