On World Diabetes Day, a senior medical official in Gombe State has called for immediate lifestyle adjustments to curb the rising prevalence of diabetes. Dr Tarangna Ali Buba, a specialist at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe, advised residents to prioritize regular physical activity and routine blood sugar checks. He emphasized that these preventive measures are critical for avoiding severe complications associated with the condition.
Dr Buba addressed the economic constraints many families face, asserting that healthy eating does not require significant financial expenditure. According to Punch, he explained that individuals can improve their diet by reducing carbohydrate quantities and incorporating affordable vegetables like spinach and cucumber alongside protein sources. He also recommended cutting down on sugary drinks and refined foods, noting that these changes are accessible even during periods of economic hardship.
The doctor highlighted that many residents remain unaware of their diabetic status until serious health issues emerge. He listed excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, and unexplained weight loss as primary warning signs. Dr Buba urged anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek hospital testing immediately rather than waiting for the condition to worsen. He warned that poorly managed diabetes can damage vital organs, including the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves, potentially leading to blindness, kidney failure, or limb amputation.
Despite these risks, Dr Buba reassured patients that they can lead near-normal lives by adhering to medical advice and maintaining proper blood sugar control. He stressed the importance of community support, urging families to avoid stigmatizing those living with the condition. He also appealed to governments and donors to assist patients who cannot afford essential medications, particularly insulin.
The Federal Teaching Hospital collaborates with the Sparkling Initiative, a non-governmental organization running the Living Actively with Diabetes programme. This initiative holds weekly sessions at Kenedy Academy every Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm, providing health education, blood sugar and pressure checks, and practical exercise guidance. This year’s World Diabetes Day theme, “Early Action on Diabetes,” reinforces the need for early detection and timely treatment to save lives.