World Diabetes Day: Nearly 8 in 10 Nigerian Adults with Diabetes May Be Undiagnosed

World Diabetes Day is marked on 14 November, with this year’s message focused on early action. An estimated 2.99 million Nigerians aged 20 to 79 were living with diabetes in 2024, and the International Diabetes Federation estimates that about 78.7% were undiagnosed. That means many people may have high blood glucose without knowing it. Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, and some people are diagnosed only after complications arise. Warning signs can include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness and blurred vision. But having no symptoms does not mean your blood sugar is normal, so screening is important, especially for people with risk factors. In Nigeria, the cost of tests, medicines and follow-up care can make treatment difficult. Late hospital visits, limited access to healthy food and exercise, misinformation and stigma also create barriers. Individuals can ask about screening and seek professional advice; healthcare workers can support early diagnosis and ongoing care; and government can improve access to affordable tests, essential medicines and health insurance. My message this World Diabetes Day is simple: do not wait until complications affect your health before taking your blood sugar seriously. Know your risk, get screened and act early. People living with diabetes deserve support, not blame or discrimination.

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