Undiagnosed diabetes poses serious health risks, medical experts say
The Ondo State chapter of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria has expressed concern over the large number of Nigerians living with undiagnosed diabetes, stressing that it can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Dr. Adenike Enikuomehin, president of the state association, issued the warning during a public awareness campaign at Aquinas University in Akure, the state capital, on the occasion of this year’s World Diabetes Day.
With this year’s theme being “Access to Diabetes Care,” the association is ready to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention of diabetes-related complications, Enikuomehin said.
According to her, it is very necessary for Nigerians to prioritize regular health check-ups even when there are no symptoms, stressing that early detection of diabetes often leads to avoidable complications. .
While addressing the students, medical experts emphasized the urgency for intensive advocacy and education about the risks associated with undiagnosed diabetes.
She said: “Students can talk to their parents about the need to regularly check their blood sugar levels. They will know what diabetes is and be able to identify its symptoms early in life.
“Education is power. The majority of people with diabetes are unaware that they have diabetes.
“Diabetes is accompanied by symptoms of increased urination and weight loss. However, most people exhibit symptoms of complications such as diabetic foot ulcers, leg pain, erectile dysfunction, heart palpitations, heart attack, and decreased vision. It may be accompanied by such things.”
The school’s principal, Adebisi Jimbola, commended the team during the education session, stressing that students are at risk of diabetes.
“Students and children today are very lucky because in our time we didn’t have to be exposed to things like this. When this happens, we believe you were attacked by either spirit. It was supposed to happen.
“But now students are being exposed to things that can cause diabetes. And they’ve been told a lot and learned a lot about diabetes.
“This visit is a blessing to this school. We were ignorant about some issues. There was a lot we didn’t know about diabetes and a lot we didn’t know about the symptoms.
For the students, who have committed to being agents of change in the fight against diabetes, the message conveyed is not just theirs.
Source: guardian.ng