Sweet but deadly: uncovering the growing diabetes epidemic in Nigeria through evidence and equity
1
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2892
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is rapidly becoming one of the most significant non-communicable diseases in Nigeria, driven by urbanization, dietary transitions, physical inactivity, obesity, and population aging. Once considered uncommon, diabetes now contributes substantially to premature mortality, long-term disability, and rising health care costs. Diabetes remains underdiagnosed and poorly controlled, particularly in low-resource settings. This review examines the burden, determinants, and health system response to diabetes in Nigeria, highlighting priorities for effective prevention and control.
METHODS:
A mixed-methods review examined peer-reviewed literature, national surveys, hospital studies, and policy documents to assess diabetes situation in Nigeria, providing comprehensive insights. Quantitative evidence was synthesized to assess trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment, glycemic control, and complications, while qualitative findings were used to evaluate health system capacity, financing, and implementation of national non-communicable disease policies. Data were analysed thematically to identify key patterns, gaps, and opportunities for intervention.
RESULTS:
The review shows diabetes prevalence is rising in Nigeria, affecting 5-8% nationally, over 10% in some urban areas, posing a growing health concern. Rural prevalence is also increasing, reflecting lifestyle changes and limited access to preventive services. More than half of individuals living with diabetes are undiagnosed, and among those diagnosed, fewer than one-third achieve adequate glycemic control. Poor outcomes are associated with low health literacy, delayed diagnosis, high out-of-pocket costs, and inconsistent availability of essential medicines. Diabetes-related complications including hypertension, stroke, chronic kidney disease, diabetic foot ulcers, and vision loss account for a growing proportion of hospital admissions and disability.
CONCLUSIONS:
Diabetes represents a rapidly expanding yet largely preventable public health crisis in Nigeria. Strengthening routine screening, integrating diabetes care into primary health care, improving access to affordable medicines, and promoting population-level lifestyle interventions are critical to reducing morbidity and mortality. Tackling diabetes effectively advances equitable non-communicable disease control in Nigeria strategically.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is rapidly becoming one of the most significant non-communicable diseases in Nigeria, driven by urbanization, dietary transitions, physical inactivity, obesity, and population aging. Once considered uncommon, diabetes now contributes substantially to premature mortality, long-term disability, and rising health care costs. Diabetes remains underdiagnosed and poorly controlled, particularly in low-resource settings. This review examines the burden, determinants, and health system response to diabetes in Nigeria, highlighting priorities for effective prevention and control.
METHODS:
A mixed-methods review examined peer-reviewed literature, national surveys, hospital studies, and policy documents to assess diabetes situation in Nigeria, providing comprehensive insights. Quantitative evidence was synthesized to assess trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment, glycemic control, and complications, while qualitative findings were used to evaluate health system capacity, financing, and implementation of national non-communicable disease policies. Data were analysed thematically to identify key patterns, gaps, and opportunities for intervention.
RESULTS:
The review shows diabetes prevalence is rising in Nigeria, affecting 5-8% nationally, over 10% in some urban areas, posing a growing health concern. Rural prevalence is also increasing, reflecting lifestyle changes and limited access to preventive services. More than half of individuals living with diabetes are undiagnosed, and among those diagnosed, fewer than one-third achieve adequate glycemic control. Poor outcomes are associated with low health literacy, delayed diagnosis, high out-of-pocket costs, and inconsistent availability of essential medicines. Diabetes-related complications including hypertension, stroke, chronic kidney disease, diabetic foot ulcers, and vision loss account for a growing proportion of hospital admissions and disability.
CONCLUSIONS:
Diabetes represents a rapidly expanding yet largely preventable public health crisis in Nigeria. Strengthening routine screening, integrating diabetes care into primary health care, improving access to affordable medicines, and promoting population-level lifestyle interventions are critical to reducing morbidity and mortality. Tackling diabetes effectively advances equitable non-communicable disease control in Nigeria strategically.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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