The struggle to provide adequate care for people living with Diabetes in Nigeria remains a pressing Public Health concern. Experts have highlighted that the country’s current approach to diabetes management falls short, with over three million adults already living with the condition. Alarmingly, this figure is expected to escalate to 7.9 million by 2045 unless comprehensive actions are taken. Despite the rising prevalence, diabetes receives less attention compared to conditions like Malaria and HIV, leaving many Nigerians unaware of the serious complications it can cause, such as kidney failure and heart disease.
Professor Olufemi Fasanmade, a consultant endocrinologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Professor of Medicine at the University of Lagos, College of Medicine, has called for substantial reforms in diabetes care. He spoke at a virtual media roundtable titled “Breaking the Barriers, Bridging the Gaps”, organised by pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk in honour of World Diabetes Day. During the session, he delivered a presentation on “Diabetes and Factors Impacting People Living with Diabetes.” In his address, he urged the government to make diabetes care more accessible, proposing initiatives such as free community health checks and reduced costs for essential medications. “If detected early, diabetes can be managed effectively, preventing serious complications,” he said.
Only six percent of patients reach health goals.
Moreover, the professor expressed concern about the economic pressure diabetes imposes on Nigerians, with many unable to afford the necessary treatments. Citing the low rate of success in achieving health goals, as only six percent of patients meet desired outcomes, he attributed the situation to limited access to proper care and approved medications. He also warned about the severe consequences of poor management, such as heart disease, hypertension, and foot ulcers, which significantly lower patients’ quality of life and increase treatment expenses. In addition, Fasanmade emphasised that enrolling more Nigerians in the National Health Insurance Authority would help reduce the financial load on families.
Commending recent government efforts to eliminate taxes on imported pharmaceuticals, Fasanmade encouraged further actions to strengthen healthcare delivery. He called for improved primary healthcare centres and enhanced training for health workers, particularly in rural areas where access to care remains inadequate. He also stressed the need for media collaboration in spreading awareness and correct information to the public. By leveraging print and electronic means, the media could actively debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding diabetes, helping to reduce stigma and discrimination.
Fasanmade highlights the consequences of unregulated drug use.
Furthermore, he cautioned against the misuse of unregulated drugs, particularly those with foreign inscriptions, warning that they could worsen diabetes symptoms and lead to severe complications or even death. Considering recent reports, including NAFDAC’s identification of a batch of falsified Ozempic earlier in the year, there is a need for strict Regulation and quality control measures to prevent such occurrences and avoid potential shortages. While these measures are implemented, individuals must prioritise regular health checks, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and adhere strictly to prescribed treatments.
These challenges facing Nigeria reflect a growing global diabetes epidemic, with urbanisation, unhealthy dietary habits, and insufficient physical activity driving rising prevalence rates. The World Health Organization projects that diabetes cases in the African region could surge to 54 million by 2045, the largest increase globally, if effective interventions are not introduced. This alarming projection reinforces the urgency for countries like Nigeria to implement bold and proactive measures to curb the disease’s growth. Learning from global examples of effective diabetes care could guide these efforts.
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Globally, nations like Denmark and Australia have demonstrated success in improving diabetes outcomes. Denmark, home to Novo Nordisk, has introduced comprehensive diabetes Education programmes and ensured affordable insulin access, leading to better patient care. Similarly, Australia has implemented widespread preventive screenings and subsidised medications as part of its national healthcare framework. By adapting such strategies, Nigeria could improve awareness, enhance access to care, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure, ultimately reducing the burden of diabetes and its complications.