By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja – The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Lokoja, on Monday sensitised members of the public on discovery, prevention and management of diabetes as part of activities to celebrate 2022 “World Diabetes Day”.
Consultants at the hospital who spoke at the event sensitised staff, patients and members of the public on various topics under this year’s theme: ”Diabetes Education To Protect Tomorrow”.
The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Olatunde Alabi, said the essence of the sensitisation was for participants to protect their tomorrow as far their health is concerned on diabetes.
He maintained that diabetes could be well managed if detected early, saying this will enable the patient to live a normal life.
Alabi further explained that that ”diabetes is not a death sentence”.
Dr. Adewole Adesanya, the Coordinator, Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Kogi State chapter, said the day was to create awareness on diabetic conditions as education was key to reducing it.
Adesanya, who is a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, said, ”more than 500 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, and in about 20 years time it would have been increased to 700 million”.
He added that One in nine people would have diabetes by 2030 according to the International Diabetic Federation (IDF).
The doctor said the care of diabetes was very expensive, stressing the need for government to subsidise it.
Adesanya appealed to government at all levels to ensure that citizens have access to the necessary drugs and care for the treatment of diabetes.
The consultant urged the people to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activities.
Dr Godwin Tijani, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, who spoke on ”Diabetes and Women Health”, advised diabetic women to see doctor before they get pregnant to avoid complications.
According to Tijani, if the woman get pregnant without doctor’s certification, it can affect the woman and the baby such as abortion, congenital malfunction, overweight etc.
On his part, Dr Ayodele Ogunmola, an Urologist, who spoke on ”Diabetes and Men Health”, said diabetes if not properly managed can lead to various cancers especially prostrate cancer.
He explained that prostrate remained the most common cancer and second commonest cause of cancer death among men, saying the sensitisation was a way of reducing the boarding on people.
According to him, any man who has lower urinary track symptoms, such as frequent urination, voiding or obstructive urine, or post urination dripping, should see a urologist.
He stressed the need for regular screening to discover prostrate cancer at least once in a year especially men above age 40.
Speaking on ”Diabetes and the Eyes”, Dr Samuel Ocheni, a Consultant Ophthalmologist, said diabetes has the capacity to affect the eyes.
The ophthalmologist called for prompt and regular checkups of the eyes at least yearly, so that any defect detected can be easily treated.
Experts also spoke on ”Diabetes Dietary Management” and ”Diabetes Foot Care” at the event.
Over 100 people, including staff, patients and residents were screened for diabetes such as suger level, blood pressure, weight, among others.
Mrs Titilayo Ajibade, 59, a diabetic patient for over ten years, thanked the management and staff of FMC Lokoja for creating more enlightenment on how to properly manage the ailment.
