In commemoration of this year’s World Diabetes Day celebration, a diabetes expert, Dr Nkiru Nwachukwu, has called on Diabetes patients to moderate food intake in order for them to live long.
Speaking at a one-day seminar organised by the International Association of Lions Clubs District 404-A2, Nigeria in conjunction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nwachukwu stated that diabetes patients should know that they have equal opportunity to live long as others.
Nwachukwu, who described diabetes as high sugar or glucose in the blood, said in Africa almost all foods contain carbohydrate, hence the need for food consumers to eat moderately.
According to the diabetes expert, there are four levels of Diabetes, namely Type I, Type II, Gestational and Pre-diabetes, noting that people with Type I and Gestational levels are at the dangerous stage.
She therefore, advised such diabetes patients under that category to ensure they take their drugs regularly and do more exercise.
While stating that diabetes is a horrible disease that affects all organs of the body if not properly managed, she said does not mean death.
Also speaking, the Past Region Chairperson, Lion Club Ambassador, Sado Theophilus stated that the club partners with INEC in order to screen diabetes patients so as to have a society free of diabetes.
Theophilus state that Lion Club was a Non-governmental Organisation that sustains its activities through the collective efforts of members, while urging all well-meaning individuals to join the club to better the lives of people in the society.
He stated that one of the core areas the club holds dearly is ensuring that the people world over practice healthy living by doing regular exercises and for those already diagnosed with diabetes to take their drugs regularly.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers State, Mr Effanga Oboh, stated that the society has been plagued by many deadly diseases such as diabetes, noting that the screening and lectures presented would reduce the high rate of diabetes cases reported in the society.
The REC, who was represented by the State INEC Secretary, Mr Etim Umoh stated further that diabetes is plaguing people in the world that necessitated the commission is focusing now on the health of its workers and society at large, hence the essence of organizing the free screening, counseling and consultation so that people would have a better understanding about what they should eat and do to stay healthy.

By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana