Expert decries high cases of diabetes in Ondo

Dr Adenike Enikuomehin, a Consultant Endocrinologist at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Akure, has decried the high cases of diabetes in the state.

Enikuomehin spoke in Akure on Wednesday at an event to mark the 2018 World Diabetes Day which had as  theme: “Diabetes and the Family.’’

She said clinical records indicated that the state was recording an increase in cases of diabetes.

“When you admit 40 patients in our hospital, almost 30 out of them are living with diabetes.

“ That is more than two third of admitted patients; this is worrisome and calls for attention and support of all and sundry.

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“The family has a major role to play in this aspect to give all necessary support to people living with diabetes,” she said.

According to her, of the 8,500 patients admitted at the teaching hospital since January,  3,500 are diabetic.

The expert added that one person dies every six seconds from diabetes around  the world.

She cited  high level of calorie intake and  obesity as some of the factors responsible for the high cases of diabetes.

The expert called on Nigerians to embrace a  healthy life style and engage in  regular physical activities.

Dr Wahab Adegbenro, the state’s Commissioner for Health, said diabetes  had  become a major global concern.

To curtail the disease, he said  the state government had embarked on awareness programmes to ensure early detection and treatment.

The commissioner, however,  urged residents  to shun self medication, saying  medical personnel were available  in the state to tackle the ailment.

“ Diabetes and hypertension are major diseases troubling the whole world and incidentally, two of them can go together in a person.

“The state government is creating much awareness to nip them in the bud.

“We have a lot of specialists and facilities that can handle diabetes ; people should stop eating junks and self medication.

“The media should also create more awareness so that people can be educated on the inherent dangers of being diabetic,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Michael Ajayi, the Secretary of Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) in Ondo State, said establishing  diabetic status early would save money.

Ajayi, who has lived with diabetes for five years,  also urged the populace to eat right in order to reduce the high rate of the disease.

Mr Olubosede Ezekiel, another diabetic who has been living with the disease for 10 years, said he takes his drugs regularly alongside fruits and vegetables.

He called on those living with diabetes to promptly visit health facilities for treatment.