By Seyi Odewale
As the world marks Diabetes Day, the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) has issued a stark warning about the rising toll diabetes is taking on the country.
DAN’s national president, Dr Ejiofor Ugwu, described the situation as an “existential threat” to millions who are facing severe economic barriers to managing their health.
“The cost of diabetes care in Nigeria has spiralled to levels that are now beyond the reach of most people,” he stated, underscoring the critical danger this poses.
Diabetes, which affects an estimated six to eight million Nigerians, has only grown in prevalence, with many cases undiagnosed until severe complications arise.
Ugwu said, “Diabetes has been quietly ravaging our communities. It’s not just the physical effects of the disease—it’s the economic and social strain it places on individuals and families.”
According to DAN, the cost of essential diabetes medications like insulin has skyrocketed from N4,000 to around N18,000 in the past year alone, more than 400 percent.
“For those in low and middle-income brackets, this makes treatment almost unattainable,” he lamented.
Ugwu emphasised that the issue is not just limited to health but extends into the socio-economic realm, with a ripple effect felt in nearly every aspect of life for those with diabetes.
“People are forced to make impossible choices between buying insulin and meeting other basic needs,” he said, adding, “This has led to a troubling increase in complications like heart disease, blindness, and even amputations.”
The Diabetes Association of Nigeria is urging swift government intervention to address this crisis. “Subsidizing diabetes medications and lifting taxes on essential medical supplies are critical first steps,” Ugwu urged.
Additionally, he called for the reinstatement of the recently paused sugar-sweetened beverage tax, with proceeds directed to diabetes care.
“This is not just a matter of healthcare but a moral imperative,” he stressed. “Our government must take steps to protect the vulnerable among us,” he added.
In Ugwu’s view, the road forward must also include a comprehensive approach to diabetes awareness and prevention.
“So many cases go undiagnosed until severe complications set in,” he noted. “Education and routine screenings are our best defences against this silent killer,” he added.
With the crisis escalating, Ugwu said DAN would continue to advocate for better resources and a renewed focus on diabetes prevention and management.
“We stand with the millions of Nigerians living with diabetes. But it will take a collective effort, from government to healthcare providers and the public, to bring about real change and stop the tide of suffering diabetes leaves in its wake,” he said.
