Nigeria's Food Insecurity Crisis: Implications for Rising Diabetes Rates and Public Health
Diabetes is a chronic disease that has seen a significant rise in prevalence globally, affecting millions of individuals. With the number of people living with diabetes increasing and treatment coverage lowest in low- and middle-income countries, the challenges of managing this condition are evident. In Nigeria, where a large portion of the population faces difficulties in accessing balanced diets due to economic hardships, the risk of developing diabetes and its life-threatening complications may be heightened. In a time where almost 75 to 80% of citizens are struggling to meet basic nutritional needs, the potential impact on public health underscores the importance of addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy lifestyle choices to prevent the onset of diabetes and other related health issues.
The consequences of untreated diabetes, such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, and stroke, can be devastating. Given the prevalent economic challenges in Nigeria leading to food insecurity for a significant portion of the population, the risk of diabetes-related health issues is a concerning reality. The slow, insidious nature of diabetes makes it a silent killer, emphasizing the urgent need for access to proper nutrition and healthcare services to curb the rising trend of this disease. As efforts are made to address the country's food security issues and improve access to balanced diets for all citizens, raising awareness about diabetes prevention and promoting healthy lifestyle practices becomes crucial in safeguarding the well-being of the population.
Key Facts:
- The number of people living with diabetes rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. Prevalence has been rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries.
- More than half of people living with diabetes did not take medication for their diabetes in 2022. Diabetes treatment coverage was lowest in low- and middle-income countries.
- Diabetes causes blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation. In 2021, diabetes and kidney disease due to diabetes led to over 2 million deaths.
- A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight, and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
- Diabetes can be treated, and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication, and regular screening and treatment for complications.
Overview:
- Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin regulates blood glucose. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood glucose, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and can lead to serious damage to the body's systems.
- In 2022, 14% of adults aged 18 and older were living with diabetes, an increase from 7% in 1990. More than half of adults aged 30 and over living with diabetes were not taking medication for their condition in 2022. Treatment coverage was lowest in low- and middle-income countries.
- In 2021, diabetes was the direct cause of 1.6 million deaths, with 47% occurring before the age of 70. Kidney disease deaths caused by diabetes were around 530,000, and high blood glucose accounted for around 11% of cardiovascular deaths.
- Since 2000, mortality rates from diabetes have risen, while the probability of dying from non-communicable diseases between the ages of 30 and 70 decreased globally from 2000 to 2019.
Symptoms:
- Symptoms of diabetes may occur suddenly, and in type 2 diabetes, they can be mild and take years to notice.
- Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, unintentional weight loss. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves, leading to health problems such as heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss.
Type 1 Diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is characterized by deficient insulin production, requiring daily insulin administration. In 2017, there were 9 million people with type 1 diabetes, mainly in high-income countries.
Type 2 Diabetes:
- Type 2 diabetes affects how the body uses sugar for energy, often resulting in high blood sugar levels. It can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels over time. Lifestyle factors such as weight, exercise, and genetics contribute to type 2 diabetes development.
- Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be mild and are often less pronounced than type 1 diabetes. Early detection is crucial to prevent severe complications.
Gestational Diabetes:
- Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, with blood glucose levels above normal. Women with gestational diabetes have increased pregnancy and delivery risks. They, along with their children, are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Prevention:
- Lifestyle changes, including maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco, help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Early diagnosis through blood glucose testing is key. Type 1 diabetes requires insulin injections, while type 2 diabetes management often involves lifestyle changes and medications.
- Medications for type 2 diabetes include Metformin, Sulfonylureas, and SGLT-2 inhibitors. Treatment may also involve blood pressure and cholesterol medications, along with regular screenings for complications.
WHO Response:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to support effective measures for diabetes surveillance, prevention, and control, especially in low- and middle-income countries. WHO provides guidelines and norms for diabetes prevention and care, builds awareness on global diabetes epidemics, and conducts surveillance on diabetes and its risk factors.
Comments
Post a Comment