Over the past 30 years, the prevalence of Diabetes has been increasing steadily. In 1971, a hospital survey by Osuntokun et al in Ibadan estimated a prevalence of 0.4%. In 1989, while screening for Diabetes during a World Diabetes Day (November 14) in Lagos metropolis, Ohwovoriole et al found a prevalence of undiscovered Diabetes of 1.6%.

A national survey in 1992 by the Non-communicable Disease Expert Committee of the FMOH recorded a prevalence of 2.2% (National)- Lowest 0.5% in Mangu, Plateau State and highest 7% in Lagos Island. A survey by Puepet 1994, in urban adults in Jos metropolis discovered a prevalence of undiscovered Diabetes to be 3.1%; by 2004, a second survey in Jos recorded a prevalence of 10.3%.

The progressive increase in the prevalence rates of Diabetes is associated with lifestyle changes; overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, dietary changes and cigarette smoking- factors that are potentially modifiable. So much attention is being given even recently to Communicable diseases like HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria at the detriment of the emerging epidemic of Non-Communicable disease like Diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Over 30% of our elite population including decision-makers are Diabetic.

More painfully so, the majority of the Nigerian Diabetic population cannot afford meaningful treatment; and over 80% of the healthy population are ignorant about Diabetes. In contrast to Diabetes, the prevalence of HIV is on the decline, probably because information and aid for HIV/AIDs abound. The Federal Ministry of Health data on HIV State prevalence rates of HIV infection as follows:- 1.8% in 1991, 4.5% in 1996, 5.4% in 1999 and 5.0% in 2003.

There are organized structures to arrest the scourge of HIV infection and provide free treatment for patients with HIV and TB. There are no known such structures for Non-communicable disease. The average monthly cost of treatment for a person with Diabetes without complication is about N10,000.00 (Ten thousand naira) of the minimum wage. There is a great need for attention to be given to Diabetes.

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