— As He Raises Awareness on Dangers of Diabetes
A healthcare practitioner, Osagie Omokaro, has raised awareness of the dangers of diabetes to the human system, describing it as a slow poison, which can totally wreak its patient, if adequate care is not taken.
Omokaro, the founder of SignalADoc, a telehealth platform that provides patients with virtual access to certified healthcare professionals, decried the statistics of diabetes patients in Africa, saying in Africa, more than 19 million people are living with diabetes and this number is expected to grow to 47 million by 2025.
He, therefore, seized the opportunity of the global commemoration of World Diabetes Day 2022 to sensitize people on the dangers of the condition, as he sought the collaboration of all stakeholders to reduce the prevalence of the condition in Africa.
The practitioner, via his verified Twitter handle, called for concerted efforts to curb the development of the condition.
He said:” Diabetes is like a slow poison that is killing so many people. Beware of the threats of diabetes. Together we can fight the battle against diabetes.
“The theme for this year is “Education to protect tomorrow”. In Africa, more than 19 million people are living with diabetes and this number is expected to grow to 47 million by 2025.
“It is extremely important to be aware of diabetes. Taking diabetes lightly is the biggest mistake we are doing. Let us make this world free of diabetes by creating more awareness”.
World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually on 14 November and was established by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 1991 in partnership with the World Health Organisation in response to growing concerns about the escalating hazards posed by diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic endocrine condition that interferes with body homeostasis and causes an imbalance in blood sugar levels. It develops as a result of a variation in the production and utilization of the hormones glucagon and insulin.
It can also be said to be a deviation from normal body physiology that affects the metabolism and absorption of food nutrients that serve as precursors for glucose in the body. It eventually leads to a chronic condition marked by high levels of glucose circulating in the blood.
A recent research study has shown that over 19 million people are living with diabetes in Africa and by 2025, this number is projected to increase to 47 million.
Diabetes can result in heart attack, stroke, renal failure, lower limb amputation, vision impairment, blindness, and nerve damage, including erectile dysfunction if it is not effectively managed clinically and by lifestyle changes.
The known risk factors for diabetes include family history, age, being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, or use of alcohol or tobacco.
