In Nigeria, eight out of ten patients with diabetes (80%) only discovered they had the disease until experiencing problems. Furthermore, nearly all (94%) of individuals polled in the country had experienced one or more diabetes problems during their diabetes journey. The findings are based on a global study conducted recently by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) ahead of World Diabetes Day on Monday, November 14th. The survey was done among persons living with diabetes in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America to learn more about the prevalence and effect of diabetes-related comorbidities.
Diabetes-related complications can be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening. They include damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys and feet. Diabetes patients are under a lot of stress because of the possibility of complications. More than half (55%) of Nigerians say they are concerned about acquiring diabetes-related issues on most days.
The risk of complications can be significantly reduced through early detection, timely treatment and informed self-care. When asked about preventing their complications, four out of five respondents (82%) in Nigeria believe they could have done more; more than half (57%) think their healthcare provider could have done more.
Commenting on the research findings, Osarenkhoe Ethel Chima-Nwogwugwu, who lives with Type 2 Diabetes, said: “It is shocking to see so many people in Nigeria only find out about their condition after experiencing a complication. To change this, more needs to be done to improve diabetes awareness and provide education to support the early detection and management of complications. What we have learned offers a stark reminder that diabetes often goes undetected until one or more complications are present.
“We know that, with the right information and care, people living with diabetes can greatly reduce their risk of complications. Furthermore, there are steps that people at risk of type 2 diabetes can take to delay or prevent the onset of the condition altogether. It is key to know your level of risk, know what you should be looking for and know how to respond.”
Several risk factors increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. These include family history, weight, age, ethnicity, inactivity, and diabetes during pregnancy, some of which can be reduced through healthy eating habits and physical activity. Improving understanding and awareness of the risk factors is therefore important to support prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment.
Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90% of all diabetes, often develops silently, with symptoms that go unnoticed. As a result, many people with the condition, more than 50% in some countries, are not diagnosed and, as the research suggests, complications are already present. The most common complications experienced among survey respondents in Nigeria were depression (55%), along with eye (40%), foot (40%), and oral health (40%) problems.
Osarenkhoe added: “For those without access to the right support, diabetes and its complications can seriously impact day-to-day life and even become life-threatening. That is why IDF is committed to improving awareness of how best to manage the condition, helping people with diabetes to understand their risk and improving access to the best available care. Healthcare professionals must be equipped with the knowledge and resources to diagnose diabetes early and provide appropriate support.”
This World Diabetes Day, IDF is calling on individuals to learn about their risk of type 2 diabetes and on governments worldwide to dedicate sufficient resources to improving access to diabetes diagnosis and care. Learn more at https://worlddiabetesday.org/.
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