Expert charges Nigerians on routine diabetes checks

A diabetes specialist  has charged Nigerians on the need to go for routine diabetes checks to ensure early detection of the disease. The expert, Dr Yakubu Lawal, who is a diabetes specialist in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja gave the counsel in an interview in Gwagwalada, Abuja on Sunday, 29 January.

He noted that many diseases can be prevented or their consequences minimized through regular tests and early detection or change to a healthy lifestyle. According to him, complications from diabetes can cause cardiovascular disease, kidney diseases, eye damage, hearing impairment and depression to an individual if not properly managed.

“Diabetes mellitus is a global pandemic while the prevalence is increasing at geometric rate because of the poor awareness among the populace… Some people don’t know when to go for a medical check-up in the hospital to know whether they are diabetic or not, or to associate with diabetic patients.” he said.

“ The awareness is very poor and that is why the prevalence has increased in our society today because of the paucity of the enlightenment…There are people, when you tell them their sugar level is high and they should come to the hospital for check-up, they tell you there is nothing wrong with them.” he added.

He further said that there is a need to encourage people to promote and adopt a healthy lifestyle to help reduce the prevalence in the society. “Changing your lifestyle could be a big step towards diabetes prevention, and it’s never too late to start. Regular check-up and healthy lifestyle also goes a long way in preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus,” he said.

NAN/ Wumi/S.S