Amid Nigeria’s growing public-health challenges, many citizens remain unaware of their diabetes status until severe complications arise. Alarming statistics show that 80% of diabetics in Nigeria are diagnosed only after experiencing major health issues such as vision loss, kidney failure, or nerve damage.
With over 11 million Nigerians currently undiagnosed and projections suggesting that this number could double by 2045, early detection and prevention have never been more critical.
Early warning signs of diabetes
Diabetes typically develops silently, but key symptoms may serve as early warning signs:
- Frequent Urination: High blood glucose levels prompt the kidneys to eliminate excess sugar, resulting in frequent urination.
- Increased thirst: Fluid lost from frequent urination leads to constant thirst and a dry mouth.
- Weight loss: Despite normal or increased food intake, the body may lose weight as it burns muscle and fat for energy.
- Blurred vision: Elevated blood sugar can cause swelling in the eye’s lens, leading to gradual vision deterioration.
- Perpetual tiredness: When cells don’t receive adequate glucose, the body feels constantly tired and drained.
Oladapo Ashiru, a specialist in endocrinology, cautions against ignoring these early warning signs. “Early treatment will prevent severe diabetes complications and improve quality of life,” he notes.
Taking preventive measures
Taking preventive measures can reduce the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Losing just 5-7% of body weight can drastically reduce the risk of diabetes.
- Adopt a balanced diet: Focus on high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Stay physically active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate, aerobic activity weekly, such as brisk walking, juggling or cycling.
- Cut down on sweet beverages: Reducing intake of sugar-sweetened drinks can help manage weight and reduce diabetes risk.
- Regular check-ups: Routine blood sugar testing allows for early detection and timely intervention.
Osumah Micheal, a doctor at Bwari General Hospital in Abuja, echoes the importance of awareness.
“Those initial signs, such as frequent urination, increased water intake, weight loss, are subtle but powerful. See a doctor immediately. Early detection is our best defence in combating this disease.”
With Nigeria potentially facing a proliferation of cases in the coming decades, public health initiatives must prioritise education, early detection, and lifestyle change. By recognising early symptoms, seeking medical counsel and adopting healthier lifestyles, individuals can take control of their health and reduce the burden of this silent epidemic.
Nigeria faces a significant public health challenge with diabetes, as 80% of cases are diagnosed only after severe complications. With over 11 million residents currently undiagnosed and numbers expected to double by 2045, early detection is critical. The disease often develops silently, with symptoms such as frequent urination, increased thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, and perpetual tiredness serving as early warning signs. Treating these symptoms early can prevent severe complications and improve quality of life.
Preventative measures to combat Type 2 diabetes include maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity, reducing sugary beverage intake, and undergoing regular check-ups. Recognizing early symptoms and seeking medical attention is urged by healthcare professionals. Public health efforts should emphasize education, early detection, and lifestyle changes to address the growing epidemic. By empowering individuals to take charge of their health, significant progress can be made in reducing diabetes cases in Nigeria.
