As the world marks this year’s World Diabetes Day (WDD) with the theme, “Access to Diabetes Care,” stakeholders are emphasizing the critical need for Nigerians to gain greater access to diabetes healthcare and information. With diabetes posing an increasing health threat, Nigerian authorities, under strong government direction, must improve healthcare delivery and enforce stricter food safety regulations at both national and sub-national levels.

First observed in 1991, WDD was established by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in response to growing concerns about the escalating global impact of diabetes. In 2006, it was officially recognized by the United Nations, making it a global occasion to raise awareness about diabetes, its prevention, and the need for collective action.

In Nigeria, the rising prevalence of diabetes has become a major concern for medical professionals. According to IDF estimates, 3.6 million Nigerians were living with diabetes in 2021. Globally, 537 million people are affected by the disease, with 24 million of those in Africa. By 2022, however, experts reported a dramatic increase, suggesting that 11.2 million Nigerians now live with diabetes.

The WHO reported in 2022 that Nigeria’s diabetes prevalence was at 4.3 percent, largely attributed to lifestyle changes brought on by rapid urbanization. Factors such as unhealthy diets, including the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to this rise. Furthermore, lack of education about diabetes management and the high cost of treatment, including insulin, remain significant barriers to proper disease control.

Diabetes, a chronic condition resulting from either insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin utilization, is often described as a “silent killer.” Left uncontrolled, it leads to dangerously high blood sugar levels, which can damage critical organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Complications from diabetes include blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and even lower limb amputations.

In Nigeria, the situation is dire, as many cases of diabetes go undiagnosed due to factors like poverty, inadequate healthcare systems, and unhealthy diets. Access to diabetes medications is limited, with the high cost making them unaffordable for many citizens. Additionally, weak food safety regulations exacerbate the issue, as even commonly consumed fruits may be contaminated with harmful artificial ripeners.

Globally, Mauritius and Egypt have the highest diabetes prevalence rates in Africa, at 22.6 percent and 20.9 percent respectively. Nigeria ranks 37th in Africa in terms of diabetes prevalence.

To address this rising health crisis, state and local governments in Nigeria must urgently revamp primary healthcare services, especially in rural areas, to ensure citizens have access to prompt and effective care. It is vital to raise public awareness and provide education about diabetes prevention and management, as many Nigerians lack basic knowledge about the disease.

Through partnerships with international health organizations and reforming health insurance policies, the government can help improve access to affordable diabetes treatments. Additionally, food safety agencies must strengthen regulations to prohibit the use of toxic artificial sweeteners and ripeners, which pose further risks to public health.

The Nigerian government and its agencies must act decisively to combat this growing threat, ensuring that citizens receive the care and information they need to prevent and manage diabetes.