Kano State Commissioner of Health, Dr Abubakar Yusuf, has stated that diabetes can be treated and its consequences can be avoided or delayed with a healthy diet.
He however disclosed other factors include physical activity, maintaining an average body weight, avoiding tobacco use, regular screening, medication use, and treatment of complications.
Dr Yusuf therefore explained that diabetes, when not diagnosed and managed on time, can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, other cardiovascular events, and lower limb amputation.
“Worldwide, in 2021, about 537 million people were living with the illness, with a projection of an increase of 46 per cent from 2021 to 2045, rising to 784 million.
“But the increase may be up to 129% in sub-Saharan Africa. (International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas 10th ed, 2021).
“It is important to note that Diabetes is affecting men, women, and children of all ages. The most at risk are people aged 40–59, though other age groups are also affected.”
“There is no published study on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Kano; however, the prevalence may differ slightly from that of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
He then urged members of the public to prioritise their well-being, adding that millions of people with illness face daily challenges in managing their condition.
Dr Yusuf said that as part of the government’s effort to tackle the health challenge, it is involved in the ongoing Project 10 Million campaign.
He stated that the state is screening over 750,000 for Diabetes and Hypertension for free and offering free treatment and medication for the aged through the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) and Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) schemes.