November 14, is designated World Diabetes Day. The essence is to create awareness of diabetes mellitus among healthcare workers, people living with the condition, their families, and the community.
The Diabetes Association of Nigeria, (DAN) University College Hospital (UCH Chapter) and the Endocrinology Department celebrate World Diabetes Day.
The campaign underscores the fact that diabetes is everyone’s business; it affects everyone in one way or another. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2023 is ‘Access to Diabetes Care.’.
In the welcoming address, Professor Fasamade and Dr. Balogun of the Endocrinology Department of University College Hospital urge members of the association and other people living with the condition that it is time for us to come together as a community and advocate for improved access to diabetes care. Every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the right to manage their diabetes effectively and lead a healthy life.
The Chairman, Diabetes Association of Nigeria, (DAN) University College Hospital (UCH Chapter), Alh. Mohammed Adegbola in his remark, advises members on the need to exercise the body, follow the diet as instructed by the Dietitian, and take medication regularly.
In a brief lecture to commemorate the day, Dr. Jokotade Adeleye, a consultant physician and endocrinologist at University College Hospital, (UCH).Ibadan. State that “Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder that occurs when the body either cannot produce sufficient insulin or is unable to effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that allows the body’s cells to utilize or store glucose produced from the digestion of food.
She stressed further, access to diabetes care, Dr. Adeleye advocates for more public education about diabetes, its symptoms, prevention, and access to medical health care from the government and others.
While answering questions from journalists on sensitization to the public and the government’s support and intervention. Dr Adeleye said all hands should be on deck for sensitising the public, especially from the media and government.
“Whether you’re an individual or government, a community organisation, or a business, your involvement can make a significant impact. Consider supporting local clinics, participating in awareness campaigns, or collaborating with healthcare professionals to create a more inclusive and accessible diabetes care environment.” Adeleye said.
“Together, we can make strides toward ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the diabetes care they need. Let’s turn our shared commitment into tangible actions that improve lives’’ Adeleye concluded.
In the same vein, Mrs Onakoya, a health educator, instructor, and facilitator, stated that there could be a lot of damage, if diabetes is poorly controlled or if someone living with the condition is addicted to sugary substances like carbonated drinks and a lot more.
Diabetes, especially when poorly controlled, is associated with severe complications leading to limitations in quality of life or death. Diabetes complications include increased susceptibility to infections, heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations. While diabetes may affect anyone, certain persons – obese persons, individuals with a sedentary lifestyle, those with a family history of diabetes, and women with a history of giving birth to large babies – have a higher risk.” She said.
Also, from the children’s unit, Dr. Ashiru established that there are different forms of diabetes, which are Type 1 diabetes and thus is the more frequent type in childhood, although it can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable, and people who have it need insulin to survive.
She also advised not to hire unprofessional nurses to administer drugs or insulin to avoid complications.
Mr. Abdusalam, the dietitian, also contributed by advising the patient to manage diabetes through a healthy and sustainable approach to nutrition, including a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. He stressed further on being mindful of carbohydrate intake and choosing complex carbohydrates with a lower glycaemic index.
In attendance were pharmaceutical company representatives and journalists from African Development Magazine and members of the public who attended the event.
Other activities involved were medical check-ups, weight, height, blood sugar checks, and medical counselling from health professionals and dietitians.
