World Diabetes Day: Expert laments rising cost of diabetes care

…laments on the surge in the numbers of people living with diabetes

As the World marks the World Diabetes Day, the acting Director, Talabi Diabetes Centre, Isara Remo, Ogun State, Dr Ayotunde Ale has lamented on the surge in the numbers of people living with diabetes in the state, saying that a recent report showed that 7.2% of about 7m population in the state are diabetic.

Dr. Ale, who disclosed this at a programme put together by the centre to commemorate this year’s World Diabetes Day, lamented the rising cost of diabetes drugs, saying that most patients now find it difficult to access their medication.

She said, “It is now becoming more challenging economically for diabetes patients to access care because the prices of their drugs had gone astronomically high.

“Lasued that was about N1,000 before is now being sold for over N80,000. A pack of five bottles of insulin sold for N8,000 before is now over N80,000 

“We can see this effect on the health of our patients because most of them could no longer afford these drugs, this is part of the reason why we are enlightening them on how to step down complications by controlling their blood sugar, be conscious of their diet, doing regular exercise, while taking their medication regularly”

Dr. Ale said that the way out of the hardship and the compounding dilemma the diabetic patients have found themselves is for the government to come to their aid by subsidizing their medications 

She said, “government should come to our aid, most of these our patients can no longer afford their drugs, they cannot afford the glucometre which they suppose to use daily to monitor their blood sugar levels.  

“Some of these patients are old, some of them are with children who are unemployed, it is a crucial area the government must intervene to save the people. Cameroon and Ghana are doing something, Nigeria must do something too to help their citizens”.

She said that for Nigeria, 5.4% of its over 200m population is said to be diabetic.

Dr Ale revealed that “in Ogun State, recent survey shows that 7.2% of the state population is diabetic and through our centre regular screening in the state, we have also observed a surge in the number  of people with diabetes

Speaking at the programme, Dr Olubiyi Adesina, the Coordinator of the Centre said that the essence of the celebration was to raise awareness about diabetes, call for action to stem it while also educating the patients on what they can do to manage the ailment.

Adesina said, “the theme for this year is Diabetes and Well-being, and so we are telling the diabetic patients to keep their blood sugar under control or else there will be consequences on other part of the body. 

“It can affect the eyes, the kidney, the brains, the nerves among others. It is very important for the patients to keep their eyes on the sugar levels”.

He urged Nigerians who are yet to know their diabetic status to go for check-up as about 6m Nigerians, the highest in Africa are living with diabetes.

The guest lecturer at the event, Dr. Abimbola Lawal urged the diabetic patients to ensure proper use of their medication, while also seeking for help before it is too late.

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Dr Lawal emphasized that cultivating healthy lifestyle which include regular exercise,  healthy diet and regular medical checks are crucial to managing diabetes.

The endocrinologist said, “though, diabetes could be hereditary, but unhealthy lifestyle such as eating of junk foods, excessive eating, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, among others are factors that could predispose someone to the illness.