The Medical Director, General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye, Dr. Bamidele Mustapha, has urged members of the public to cultivate the habit of routine health checks for early detection of diabetes in the body.
Speaking on the theme: “Access to Diabetes Care, if Not Now, When?”, at the annual event organised to mark the Y2021 World Diabetes Day held at the hospital premises on Wednesday, Dr. Mustapha harped on the importance of regular screening for traces of the disease.
He explained that World Diabetes Day is celebrated globally on the 14th of November as part of efforts to create awareness on the causes and management of the disease as well as care for diabetic people globally, which the hospital has strictly observed to reduce deaths that might arise from complications caused by the disease.
His words: “Diabetes is a chronic disease which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces leading to an increased concentration of glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia)”.
The Medical Director, therefore, assured Lagosians of quality and low-cost healthcare for the management of diabetes at Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, through the support of the Lagos State Government.
Dr. Aramide Adediran, Consultant Endocrinology, in her lecture, titled: “Diabetes Mellitus – Challenges, Diagnosis and Care”, spoke extensively on how diabetes can be a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower limb amputation.
While advising healthy diet, physical activity and avoidance of tobacco use to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, she pointed out that diabetes can be treated and consequences avoided or delayed with medication, regular screening and treatment for complications.
“It is good to take lots of leafy greens because they are extremely nutritious and low in calories. Beans, garlic, avocados, fatty fish, yoghurt and nuts are also, among others, foods that can all help to regulate blood sugar levels”, she advised.
Dietician Michael Shoretire, Head, Dietetics and Nutrition Department of the Hospital, speaking on Medical Nutrition Therapy in Diabetes Management, stated that if diabetes is not well managed, it increases the risk for several and severe diseases.
He, therefore, encouraged victims to follow an overall nutritious balanced and adequate diet to drastically reduce the risk for complications.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, chaired by Alhaji Abdul Wahab.
