| NAN-HG-7 Diabetes By Oluwakemi Oladipo Lagos, Nov.18, 2016 (NAN) A general Physician, Dr Tosin Olowojebutu has urged government at all levels to create more awareness on the prevention of diabetes through information dissemination Olowojebutu, who is the Medical Director of Liberty-Life Hospital, Ogudu, Lagos, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday. He said that governments had a major role to play through legislation, development and implementation of appropriate policies. The physician explained that governments could provide prevention monitoring programmes to strengthen health system in the country. According to him, diabetes is a metabolic disorder that manifests as an abnormality in the way the human body uses glucose, and then progresses into abnormalities in body fats (lipids) utilisation. “It finally leads to destruction in the body organs such as the eye, kidney, heart, nerves, blood vessels and the brain. “We have three classical types of diabetes namely: Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) also called Type 1 diabetes mellitus. “Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) also called Type 2 diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes. “In Nigeria, more than 90 per cent of our diabetes cases are Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although this type of diabetes is common among Nigerians aged 40 and above.’’ Olowojebutu said that diabetes could be a cause of many other chronic non-communicable diseases, which formed the basis for sudden deaths among Nigerians. He explained that the complications include; hypertension, visual impairment or blindness, nerve damage also called neuropathy, leg ulcer, amputation, dementia, kidney failure, heart attack and stroke. “Diabetes does not start in one day. It starts in a manner that is not easily discovered with the victim not knowing. “Diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes often begins with life style changes which make the victim become overweight, obese and physically inactive. “The life style changes includes; smoking, high consumption of alcohol, lack of exercise, living a sedentary life, eating junk foods and not sleeping well,”Olowojebutu said. The physician advised all health organisations to respond adequately to the growing diabetes epidemics in the country by providing for quality diabetes care. “Making safe, tolerable and effective medications available in the hospitals at all times and building a critical mass of diabetologists, nutritionists and social workers to stem the scourge of diabetes in the country.’’(NAN) OKG/ERO/MO
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