Health experts have warned that North-West Nigeria faces a growing prediabetes burden despite relatively low diabetes prevalence in some communities, urging residents to prioritise early screening and preventive healthcare.
The warning comes as the National Eye Centre in Kaduna begins activities ahead of the 2026 World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14. The centre is partnering with Ultimate Health HMO to raise awareness and provide health services to its host community.
A family physician at the centre, Dr Patricia Ella Idoko, said the outreach would include health education, blood sugar screening, eye examinations, body mass index checks, deworming for children and the provision of reading glasses for people with refractive errors. Residents requiring additional medical attention would be referred for further care.
Idoko warned that diabetes can damage eyesight and lead to diabetic retinopathy, a complication that may cause blindness if left untreated. She also noted that some patients discover they have diabetes only when they seek treatment for eye problems.
Another specialist at the centre, Dr Nguyele Nathaniel, called for sustained public awareness campaigns and more reliable health data to improve early detection and prevention.
Research cited in the report indicates that prediabetes remains a concern in parts of the region, including rural communities in Sokoto and adolescents in Kano. Experts identify physical inactivity, obesity, family history and low fruit and vegetable consumption as contributing risk factors.
Early testing, healthier diets and regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Sustained community outreach and accessible screening services will be important in identifying people at risk before complications develop.
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