By Awayi Kuje
Nasarawa-Eggon (Nasarawa State), Nov. 14, 2024 (NAN) Ahmed Bola Oduleye Charity (ABOC) Foundation, an NGO has urged Nasarawa residents to engage in regular exercise to prevent diabetes.
Mr Ahmed Oduleye, Chief Executive Officer of the foundation stated this at a sensitisation and free medical outreach on Thursday in Nassarawa-Eggon, to commemorate the 2024 World Diabetes Day.
He said the foundation would also conduct free diabetes test for no fewer than 300 persons as part of activities to mark the day.
Oduleye said that the sensitisation and free testing was geared towards educating the people with the right information on the dangers associated with diabetes and how to prevent it.
He emphasised the need for anyone above the age of 40 years to cut down on the consumption of carbohydrates, desist from alcohol and sedentary lifestyle in order to prevent diabetes.
Dr Caleb Ogaku, leader of the medical team, said the World Health Organisation (WHO) had put the number of people currently living with diabetes undiagnosed, at 573 million globally, saying that the figure would be doubled by 2030.
Ogaku identified the symptoms of diabetes to include, frequent urination, weight loss, weakness, constant feeling of thirst amongst others.
“Diabetes, if not detected early and managed properly, can degenerate into serious health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke and even death,” he said.
He encourage people, especially adults to engage in regular exercises and maintain healthy eating habits by cutting down on carbohydrate and abstaining from school.
“Diabetes, even though life-threatening, can be managed and the life of the patient be prolonged with the right information and lifestyle change,” he said.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler in the area, Retired Justice Ahmed Ubangari-Alaku, the Aren Eggon , thanked the NGO for the exercise considering the increase in cases of diabetes.
He urged his subjects to take advantage of the opportunity to know their status and as well engage in regular exercises as preventive measures.
On her part, Kefayat Olarewaju , Programme Officer of ABOC, said the awareness campaign was crucial, especially in rural community, where access to healthcare and education could be challenging.
“Today, we focus on the importance of access to diabetes care. We recognise that diabetes affects not only individuals but also families, communities, and our entire healthcare system.
“We acknowledge the prevalence of diabetes in our community. Many of us have family members, friends, or neighbours living with diabetes.
“We also recognise the challenges faced in managing this condition, from limited access to healthcare services to affordability and awareness,”she said.
Olarewaju said the foundation was committed to improving diabetes care in communities through provision of free diabetes screening and testing as well offering educational programmes on diabetes management and prevention amongst others.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA