Over 3.9 million Nigerians have diabetes – IDF

The International Diabetes Federation has said that no fewer than 3.9 million Nigerians have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

The global body, in a statement, as part of activities to mark the World Diabetes on November 14, added that over 11 million Nigerians who have high blood sugar are currently undiagnosed.

The IDF states, “No fewer than 387 million people are currently living with diabetes. It is sad that at least one in every two people who have this condition in developing countries, especially in Africa do not know.”

In view of the recent statistics, a diabetes care specialist, Dr. Afoke Isiavwe, said there was an urgent need to increase awareness about this disease through screening.

According to Isiavwe, who is the Chief Medical Director, Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre, Lagos, early detection will ensure that Nigerians at pre-diabetic stages are picked early and offered the right treatment.

She said, “The IDF atlas reveals that one person dies from diabetes every six seconds around the world. The federation also estimates that over 11 million Nigerians are currently undiagnosed.

“This is why we have decided to provide the opportunity for every Nigerian to come forward for the free screening to help reduce unnecessary death from diabetes, in the country,”

The podiatrist added that on November 14, the World Diabetes Day, the hospital would hold a free diabetes boot camp, focusing on foot care and nutrition in diabetes in Lagos.