Varsity Don Raises Concerns Over Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in Nigeria

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

A university don and Professor of Medical Physiology, Prof. Magnus Anyakudo, has raised concerns over the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in the country and inherent dangers ahead.

He disclosed that in Nigeria, about 4.3 per cent (11.4 millions) of the total population suffers from DM with a significant proportion (80 per cent) of cases remaining undiagnosed which  increases the risks of future complications.

Professor Anyakudo made this known while delivering  his paper titled: ‘Your Nutrition, Your Health: Unlocking the Power of Evidence-based Dietary Strategies for Diabetes Mellitus’ during  the 35th series of inaugural lectures of the Federal University Lokoja; yesterday.

He however disclosed that nutrition plays a vital role in managing diabetes mellitus, stressing that dietary choices can significantly impact blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and overall health outcomes.

He tasked the federal government as a matter of urgency to do something about the none availability and high cost of insulin to manage diabetes Mellitus, stressing that many patients could not afford this drug during the crisis.

The medical expert described Diabetes Mellitus as a group of metabolic disorders characterised by sustained high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, noting that this  is different from another type of diabetes called “Diabetes insipidus”.

He explained that a well-planned diet can help individuals with diabetes, regulate blood glucose levels, maintain a healthy weight, prevent or manage complications and Improve quality of life.

“When it comes to managing diabetes mellitus, dietary challenges can be a significant obstacle for many individuals which needs to be addressed in this inaugural lecture today.”

He stated that an active role should be taken in managing nutrition and health, saying “personalised nutrition plans should be developed by seeking professional guidance from registered dieticians or nutritionists.

“We should support research and education initiatives that aim to improve diabetes prevention and management. Our own mission is to improve the lives of people living with diabetes and prevent diabetes in those at risk.”

He pointed out that about 599 million adults (aged 20 –79 years) are living with diabetes worldwide as of 2024 according to the IDF. This number is expected to rise to 853 million by 2050. This rising global prevalence, with an estimated 1 in 9 adults affected, is a major public health concern.

“Prevalence of DM varies greatly between different communities but has been noted to increase as life expectancy increases.

“The WHO, ranked DM as the seventh leading cause of death globally with mortality of 3.4 million deaths annually. In 2021, it was responsible for 6.7 million deaths according to IDF (Diabetes Atlas, 2021),” Anyakudo explained.

Earlier in his address, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi, reiterates that inaugural lectures are one of the university’s proudest academic traditions.

“They mark a scholar’s attainment of full professorial status and provide an opportunity for the university to present cutting-edge research in a way that speaks both to the academy and to the wider public.

“Today’s lecture continues that honoured ritual: it connects deep specialist knowledge with the practical needs of our society. I therefore commend Professor Anyakudo for accepting this responsibility to share his scholarship and for making his research accessible to all of us.

“Today’s topic: ‘Your Nutrition, Your Health: Unlocking the Power of Evidence-based Dietary Strategies for Diabetes Mellitus’ is therefore not only timely but also of immense practical consequence for millions of Nigerians and the global community alike.

“Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health challenge. Its prevalence is rising in many parts of Africa, including Nigeria, driven by shifts in diet, urbanisation and lifestyle.