Endocrinologists seek mandatory diabetes screening as cases surge

As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise in Nigeria, experts in endocrinology have urged the Federal Government to implement comprehensive strategies aimed at curbing the growing health crisis.

The endocrinologists emphasised the urgent need for mandatory diabetes testing among civil servants and more widespread screening across the country.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise at a free diabetes screening exercise organised by the Department of Medicine at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, the specialists proposed that the government should implement nationwide screening programmes, integrate diabetes education into school curricula, and provide subsidies for diabetes management.

The World Health Organisation described diabetes as a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

According to WHO, the number of people living with diabetes rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. Prevalence has risen more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.

The global health agency noted that the number of people living with diabetes in the African Region is predicted to rise to 54 million by 2045, the highest projected increase globally if urgent interventions are not taken.

The health organisation noted that multiple drivers including urbanisation, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity complicate the rising diabetes prevalence in Africa.

Also, data from the National Institutes of Health suggested that 11.2 million Nigerians (1 out of every 17 adults) are living with the disease.

Reacting to the rising cases of diabetes in Nigeria, the healthcare experts who spoke with our correspondent in a separate interview, stressed that mandatory screening for civil servants would help detect diabetes early, preventing complications and reducing healthcare costs.

While commending the government’s efforts so far, the physicians stressed that more needs to be done to tackle the growing burden of diabetes in Nigeria.

The experts stressed that early detection of diabetes is crucial to prevent severe complications such as kidney failure, blindness, and heart disease, which are often expensive to treat and can severely impact the quality of life.

A professor of Medicine and Endocrinology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Olufemi Fasanmade, suggested that the government embark on a nationwide diabetes screening programme, targeting 200 people in each of the 774 local governments.

This, he stressed, will help identify and treat diabetes cases across the country.

Professor Fasanmade noted that individual doctors cannot undertake such massive screening exercises, making government intervention crucial.

“Only the government has the resources and reach to conduct nationwide screening programs,” he said.

The don explained that the proposed mandatory screening is expected to enhance early detection, promote awareness, and improve productivity among civil servants.

He explained that by identifying diabetes cases early, the government can reduce absenteeism and presenteeism due to diabetes-related complications.

Fasanmade noted that without early diagnosis, diabetes could lead to irreversible organ damage.

“That’s why screening is so important. If detected early, diabetes can be managed effectively, preventing serious complications down the line,” he stated.

The professor emphasised that diabetes is a lifestyle disease that requires meticulous management through diet, exercise, and medication adherence.

The endocrinologist highlighted the alarming increase in diabetes cases, particularly among younger populations.

He attributed the surge to unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress.

“Lately, more youths are being diagnosed with diabetes. Obesity, excessive consumption of sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol, as well as inadequate sleep and high stress, are major contributors to this condition,” he added.

Alos speaking, a senior registrar in endocrinology at LUTH, Dr Ede Obiamaka stressed the need for a coordinated national approach to diabetes awareness and detection.

Obiamaka noted that a nationwide screening campaign, perhaps at local government health centres, would help identify at-risk individuals early and prevent the long-term complications of diabetes.

She warned of the severe complications that can arise from untreated diabetes, including kidney failure, blindness, and heart disease, all of which are costly to treat.

“The complications of diabetes are not only deadly, but they are also financially draining. Dialysis, for example, costs upwards of 50,000 Naira per session, which many people cannot afford,” Obiamaka added.

The endocrinologist pointed out that many Nigerians, especially those in economically disadvantaged areas, lack access to essential medical tools such as glucometers.

She lamented, “A glucometer costs over 30,000 Naira, and the test strips are also expensive. This makes it difficult for many people to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels”

The physician, however, called on the government to partner with both local and international health organisations to provide affordable diabetes management tools and increase public health education.

The endocrinologist further suggested that the government could make a significant difference by implementing policies that make regular diabetes screenings a routine part of healthcare services for all citizens, especially those in high-risk groups.

She added, “Government should integrate diabetes education into school curricula to promote awareness among young Nigerians.

“They should provide subsidies for diabetes management and make diagnostic equipment affordable.”

Similarly, a consultant nephrologist, Babawale Bello emphasised the rising global burden of diabetes and the need for increased awareness and prevention.

Bello, who is also a deputy chairman of the medical advisory committee that oversees clinical services at the hospital, stated that lifestyle changes, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, are contributing to a rapid increase in both the incidence and prevalence of diabetes.

He pointed out that people are eating more refined sugars and processed foods while abandoning healthier, fibre-rich traditional diets.

“We need to return to our traditional meals, which are healthier and contain more fibre, rather than opting for processed foods,” he advised.

Bello also encouraged Nigerians to adopt simple lifestyle changes, such as walking more, using stairs instead of elevators, and engaging in regular physical activity to combat the rising tide of diabetes.