For Nigerians, especially those working in the health sector, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent warning to African leaders to not be complacent in the fight against diabetes—which it called a silent killer in Africa—is a wake-up call.
In a statement to mark 2024 World Diabetes Day, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, stated that data showed an increase in the incidence of diabetes in Africa, which was exacerbated by a number of factors, such as urbanization, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles.
She voiced concern that, if immediate steps are not done to reduce it, the number of Africans with diabetes might probably reach 54 million by 2045, the greatest estimated growth in the world.
Over 24 million persons in Africa currently have diabetes, with half of them going untreated, she said.
In light of the increased incidence of diabetes in Africa, which is exacerbated by a number of factors such as urbanization, poor diet, and physical inactivity, the subject rightly highlights the necessity of a team effort to combat this “silent killer.”
“The number of people with diabetes in the African region is predicted to reach 54 million by 2045, the highest projected increase globally, unless urgent interventions are implemented,” she said.
She emphasized that the problem is made worse by the fact that, at just 1% of the region’s total health spending, diabetes care has the lowest investment rate globally. “Health systems were also traditionally designed,” she continued.
Comprehensive prevention programs that address risk factors including obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity, together with community engagement to guarantee strong support networks and less stigma, are equally important, she continued.
In order to enhance the fight against diabetes, she called for people, communities, governments, health professionals, legislators, and civil society organizations to band together and implement the proposals.
“For individuals, please prioritize leading a healthy lifestyle and getting frequent checkups with your doctor if you already have diabetes. By establishing encouraging surroundings that encourage healthy living, lessen stigma, and give access to reasonably priced diabetes care and education, communities can also play positive roles.
We pledge to fully support governments in their efforts to enact laws that improve access to necessary medications, fortify primary healthcare systems, and prioritize funding for diabetes care and prevention.
Addressing important gaps, such as diabetes myths and misunderstandings, brittle primary health care systems, and inadequate capacity and training of healthcare professionals, is essential to strengthening diabetes control in the African region.
“Let us all pledge to eliminate the obstacles and fill the gaps by increasing awareness, disseminating information, and bringing about long-lasting change for all Africans impacted by diabetes,” she said.
But given the worldwide indices, the question is how to stop its ascent in Nigeria, which has reportedly been steadily rising.
In 2024, the prevalence rate in Nigeria is projected to be 3.46 percent of the adult population.
The WHO ascribes the rise to a number of factors, including unhealthy lifestyle choices brought about by urbanization, industries that produce sugar-sweetened beverages, a lack of exercise, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Additionally, the prevalence of diabetes in Nigeria was found to differ by area, with the North-Central zone having the lowest rates and the South-South zone having the highest.
According to the figure, North Central, North East, and North West have respective percentages of 3.8, 5.9, and 3 percent, whereas South-South has 9.8 percent, South East has 4.6 percent, and South West has 5.5 percent.
In his contribution to the discussion, Dr. Uche Okenyi of the Hova’s Place Hospital in Festac, Lagos, emphasized that the first step in resolving the WHO’s issue is for Nigerians to comprehend the nature of diabetes and its common causes.
Additionally, he believes that if African nations, including Nigeria, do not wake up and make a determined effort to combat the threat, the WHO’s predictions will come to true.
Since diabetes affects blood vessels, it can create a wide-ranging metabolic disorder that can impact the kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart, and brain. He defined diabetes as a disease caused by a deficiency of endogenous insulin. He added that there are two varieties of it: Type 1 and Type 2.
He claims that type 1 diabetes, which is caused by the self-destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, primarily affects teenagers but can strike anyone at any age.
He told GREEN MAX that type 2 diabetes primarily affects adults, primarily those over 40, and is brought on by decreased insulin secretion and increased insulin resistance, which are linked to obesity, excessive calorie and alcohol intake, and inactivity.
He mentioned medications like steroids and retroviral medications, among others, as well as illnesses like hyperthyroidism and pregnancy as other causes of diabetes.
He underlined that everyone has a part to play in ensuring that the prevalence of diabetes is significantly decreased, including individuals, businesses, and the government.
Regarding the government’s role, he stated: “The government can do very little to help people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, as the majority of the causes of Type 2 DM are exogenous, the government can actively pursue awareness campaigns to inform the public about the risk factors and how to mitigate them, including recommendations for dietary habits, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications.
“In order to effectively manage the diseases that can result in the development of diabetes, the government should also adequately fund the healthcare sector.”In order to increase the accessibility of these services, he gave our correspondent his full support for the necessary training of health professionals in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases at the community level.
“Corporate organizations should organize health talks for their staff regarding proper lifestyles and structure their work schedule to allow for better health,” he added, urging them to take employee health seriously.
He also emphasized that people must fulfill their roles. He advised people to routinely exercise and to limit their intake of alcohol, calories, and other substances. Additionally, they should seek early and appropriate medical attention for any illnesses that may make them more susceptible to diabetes mellitus.
Additionally, Dr. Innocent Emeka of Divine Hospital in Lagos State’s Ojo neighborhood promoted greater education and easier access to diagnostic equipment and medications, especially insulin, as the most pressing areas for diabetes detection.
He clarified that diabetes could result in a number of crippling complications if it is not managed and lifestyle modifications are not made.
Unfortunately, the fact that about one in two Africans with diabetes mellitus have never received a diagnosis limits response attempts.
In order to increase the accessibility of these services, he gave our correspondent his full support for the necessary training of health professionals in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases at the community level.
