When a loved one begins to struggle with fatigue, blurred vision, or slow-healing wounds—signs of a silent but relentless disease, one begins to worry about what comes next. Diabetes is not just a medical condition; it’s a life-altering reality for millions. It creeps in unnoticed, robbing people of their vitality, independence, and, sometimes, their lives.
With over 800 million cases worldwide, diabetes is no longer a distant threat—it’s here, affecting families, communities, and the entire nation. But the good news is, in many cases, it can be prevented. Through simple but powerful lifestyle changes, early detection, and awareness, we can take control before diabetes takes control of us.
This article explores how to prevent and manage diabetes, shedding light on government efforts, behavioural challenges, and the practical steps needed to curb its rise.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term metabolic condition marked by high blood sugar levels, which, over time, can cause significant harm to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes occurs when the body either becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough.
Understanding Diabetes and Its Types
The three main types of diabetes are:
Type 1 Diabetes (The Body Attacks Itself)
Think of your body as a team, with different parts working together. The pancreas is like a worker in a factory, producing insulin, which helps move sugar from food into your cells to give you energy.
But with Type 1 diabetes, the body’s defence system mistakenly attacks the pancreas, like friendly fire in a battle. As a result, the pancreas stops making insulin, and without insulin, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin shots for the rest of their lives to stay healthy.
It usually starts in childhood or early adulthood, and doctors believe a mix of genes and environmental triggers, such as certain viruses, may cause it.
Type 2 Diabetes (The Body Stops Listening to Insulin)
The factory still produces insulin in this instance, but the workers (your body’s cells) stop listening to its instructions. This is called insulin resistance—when the body doesn’t respond appropriately to insulin.
At first, the pancreas tries to make extra insulin to compensate. But over time, it gets overworked and can’t keep up. As a result, too much sugar stays in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is mainly caused by lifestyle choices like eating too much junk food, not exercising, and being overweight. However, genes also play a role. Unlike Type 1, it usually develops slowly over time, and many people can manage it with diet, exercise, and medication before needing insulin.
Gestational Diabetes
A temporary condition during pregnancy due to hormonal changes affecting insulin function. Women who develop gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
The Rising Diabetes Epidemic
Since 1990, the number of adults living with diabetes has grown dramatically, and now more than 800 million people around the world have the disease, according to The Lancet. This considerable rise shows that diabetes is becoming a significant health crisis. Experts from the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) say it’s essential to take action by improving healthcare, raising awareness, and encouraging healthier lifestyles—especially in poorer countries, where many people struggle to get proper medical care.
In Nigeria, the WHO estimates diabetes prevalence to be 4.3%. Urbanisation and industrialisation have led to lifestyle changes that increase the risk of diabetes, including the consumption of processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.
Some Major Causes of Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the body can’t regulate blood sugar properly due to low insulin production or insulin resistance.
Here are the key causes:
- Genetics – A family history of diabetes increases the risk.
- Autoimmune Reaction (Type 1) – The immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells.
- Insulin Resistance (Type 2) – The body stops responding to insulin, leading to high blood sugar.
- Unhealthy Diet – Too much sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats contribute to diabetes.
- Lack of Exercise – Physical inactivity makes it harder for the body to use insulin properly.
- Obesity – Excess weight, especially belly fat, leads to insulin resistance.
- Pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes) – Hormonal changes can cause temporary diabetes, increasing future risk.
- Stress & Poor Sleep – Chronic stress and lack of sleep affect insulin regulation.
- Smoking & Alcohol – Both make insulin less effective and damage the pancreas.
Preventing Diabetes: Lifestyle Changes
The WHO recommends several key lifestyle modifications to reduce diabetes risk:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight increases insulin resistance, particularly around the abdomen.
- Regular Physical Activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate weekly exercise can improve insulin sensitivity.
- Balanced Diet: Prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Avoid Tobacco and Excess Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption elevate diabetes risks.
- Routine Health Check-ups: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels ensures early detection and intervention.
Managing Diabetes Effectively
For those diagnosed with diabetes, proper management is crucial to prevent complications:
- Healthy Eating Plan: Work with a dietitian to regulate sugar intake.
- Adherence to Medication: Follow prescribed insulin or oral medication regimens.
- Hydration: Drinking sufficient water helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring: Ensures necessary adjustments in diet and medication.
- Mental Health Support: Managing diabetes can be overwhelming; seeking support groups or professional guidance can help.
Addressing Behavioral Challenges in Nigeria
Several behavioural factors contribute to the spread and poor management of diabetes in Nigeria:
Low Awareness & Stigma About Diabetes: Many Nigerians do not recognise diabetes symptoms or believe it affects only the wealthy. Stigmatisation prevents individuals from seeking medical help early, leading to complications.
Delayed Medical Attention and Reliance on Alternative Remedies: Many rely on self-medication, herbal remedies, or prayers instead of seeking professional medical help. This delays proper diagnosis and management, worsening health outcomes.
Unhealthy Diets and Sedentary Lifestyles Lead to Diabetes Risks: Processed foods, high-carbohydrate diets, and low physical activity contribute to the rapid increase in diabetes cases. Shifting away from traditional, healthy meals favouring fast food and sugary drinks remains a growing concern.
Cost Barriers & Medication Adherence Issues: The high cost of insulin and diabetes medications discourages consistent treatment. Many patients stop taking their medications once they feel better, increasing the risk of complications.
Limited Healthcare Access in Rural and Underserved Areas: Rural areas lack proper screening facilities, delaying diabetes diagnosis and treatment. Individuals hardly get tested in time until they experience severe complications such as kidney damage or vision loss, etc.
Government Efforts in Tackling Diabetes
The Lagos State Government launched a state-wide free screening initiative for diabetes and hypertension as part of the ‘10 Million Project’, focusing on awareness, early detection, and management. The state government also extended its screening to enable better coverage of its indigenes.
At the national level, the Federal Ministry of Health runs the National Diabetes Control Program, which promotes healthy living, diabetes management, and early detection. The ministry has also partnered with WHO on campaigns such as the ‘Stop Diabetes Initiative’, advocating for multi-sectoral action plans to improve healthcare access and public education.
Solutions to Curb Diabetes in Nigeria
To help reduce the rising cases of diabetes in Nigeria, government officials, health workers, and community leaders need to take action through education, making care more affordable, and using simple technology. Here are some practical steps that can help prevent and manage diabetes better:
Community Education and Awareness Campaigns: Dispel myths about diabetes and encourage early screening. Public health initiatives should be expanded through radio, television, and social media campaigns to educate people about symptoms and preventive measures.
Affordable Diabetes Care and Policy Advocacy: Advocate for lower drug prices, subsidised diabetes medication, and improved healthcare services. The government should collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to make insulin and testing kits more affordable.
Healthier Food Choices and Nutritional Guidance: Promote locally available, low-cost, nutritious food alternatives to reduce the consumption of high-carb and processed foods. Public initiatives should encourage farmers to grow diabetes-friendly crops such as vegetables and whole grains.
Digital Support Systems for Diabetes Management: Utilize SMS reminders, telemedicine, and online peer support groups to enhance medication adherence and encourage healthy lifestyle habits. Technology-driven solutions can bridge the gap in healthcare access.
Conclusion
Diabetes is both preventable and manageable with the right knowledge and lifestyle choices. By fostering healthier habits, improving healthcare access, and promoting awareness, we can reduce the burden of diabetes in Nigeria and globally.
Join the fight against diabetes today!