BY OJELABI ABIOLA TENIGBOLA/Associate Editor
The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Endocrinology Unit of the Family Medicine Department, marked World Diabetes Day, an annual event dedicated to promote global awareness of diabetes, on Thursday, 14 November, 2024. The theme for this year, “Diabetes and Well-being,” focused on the physical and emotional challenges faced by diabetic patients.
While paying a courtesy visit to the hospital’s management team, Dr. Olufunmilayo Adeleye, Consultant Physician/Endocrinologist and Head of the Endocrinology Unit, described diabetes as an “epidemic” affecting over 4 million Nigerians. She noted that only about 53% of these individuals receive a proper diagnosis, pointing out the urgent need for increased awareness and education to curb the disease’s impact.
Representing the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, was the Deputy Director Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Ayodele Bamidele, who received the team warmly and saluted them for the efforts invested in caring efficiently for their patients.
Dr. Bamidele reiterated the urgent need for multidisciplinary attention to diabetes care, also describing the disease as a “pandemic.” He said that LASUTH’s diabetes clinic building was designed to cater specifically to the needs of diabetic patients as he reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to supporting the team’s ongoing efforts in diabetes management.
In an interview with Dr. Adeleye, she explained that diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to either insulin deficiency or resistance. She identified major risk factors, such as obesity, age, family history, gestational diabetes, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol levels. She also emphasized that lifestyle modifications like adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake are crucial in both the management and prevention of diabetes.
Dr. Adeleye described the two main types of diabetes which is Type 1, this is usually affects children due to autoimmune factors, and Type 2, which constitutes 95% of cases is often linked to genetics and environmental factors.
She went ahead to discuss early warning signs of the disease such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, slow-healing wounds, and tingling sensations in the extremities. She stressed that early detection is vital in preventing severe complications and noted that changes leading to diabetes often begin a decade before symptoms appear, making timely intervention essential.
The theme “Diabetes and Well-being” was chosen to address blood glucose control and the broader issues of mental and emotional health. Dr. Adeleye noted that many patients face distress due to fears of complications, the financial strain of medication, and the ongoing challenge of managing a chronic illness; she then advised health professionals to include a comprehensive approach that includes mental health support and patient education to ease these difficulties.
Following the courtesy visit, the diabetes clinic team organized an awareness walk throughout the hospital, conducted health talks, and offered free screenings and medications to patients.
