The hazardous terrain of Diabetes mellitus in Nigeria: The time for action is now

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from absolute or relative  deficiencies in insulin secretion and/or action. Diabetes and its complications cause substantial morbidity, disability and premature mortality. There has been a progressive increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Nigeria and the burden is expected to increase even further. In view of the increasing burden of diabetes in Nigeria, there is an urgent need to develop and implement an effective and sustainable policy for its prevention and management in the country. If diabetes is not given the attention it deserves now, it could impose an even greater toll on health and socio-economic development in Nigeria and overwhelm an already resource constrained health care system. The time for action is now. Suggested approaches to address the burden of diabetes in Nigeriaare discussed in this commentary. Key words: Diabetes, Burden, Nigeria, Action