Managing diabetes can be extremely challenging for individuals who cannot afford essential medications and healthy food options, especially during this period of economic hardship in Nigeria, forcing them to rely on cheaper, less effective alternatives or go without treatment altogether which may exacerbate the risk of complications. Mr Stephen Owolabi, a senior staff with the House of Assembly Service Commission, Ekiti State, spoke with Korede Abdullah, Southwest correspondent of Africa Health Report on his journey for survival after being discharged of the disease from hospital.
AHR: How has your experience been since diagnosis, and how have you been coping with managing your diabetes?
Answer: My experience has been challenging, but I’m learning to cope. Managing diabetes requires discipline and lifestyle changes, which can be tough, but I’m determined to stay healthy. To be honest, diabetes is a serious ailment which borders on the consumption activity of the carrier. Comments from various observers have likened the surge of diabetes among people to sugar consumption or drinking of sugary drinks. But the fact of the matter is that diabetes is actually activated by the reckless consumption of starchy food like garri, eba, carbohydrates and so on and so forth. From the medical point of view, I learned that Diabetes is type- based. Type 1 and Type 2. Each goes with its peculiarities. Type 1 is chronic in the sense that it requires much attention and money to sustain and maintain it whereas Type 2 is mild.
AHR: As a diabetes patient, what are some of the biggest challenges you face in terms of accessing affordable medication and healthy food options?
Answer: Affordability is a major challenge. Medications and healthy food options are expensive, making it difficult for me to stick to my treatment plan. The economic consequences are much this time around. Cost implications of food supplements and drugs for the ailment has hit the rooftop. Hard hit are the poor victims.
AHR: The economic hardship in Nigeria has affected many people’s ability to afford basic necessities, including food and medication. How has this impacted your ability to comply with your recommended treatment plan?
Answer: Based on my personal experience, I have been able to maintain and sustain my own by adhering strictly to the food dictates which are basically protein, carbohydrates (purposely for strength ) and avoidance of food with much fat. The economic situation has made it a bit difficult for me to afford some of my medications and healthy food. As I have said earlier, I’ve had to rely on family and friends to complement what I have, which can be unpredictable.
AHR: What specific difficulties have you encountered in trying to stick to your recommended diet, and how have you been able to overcome them?
Answer: As a middle income earner, I’ve struggled to afford healthy food options, but I’ve learned to plan my meals, buy in bulk, and cook at home. I’ve also had to get creative with local ingredients to make healthy meals.
AHR: How do you manage to afford your diabetes medication, and are there any challenges you face in accessing these medications?
Answer: The prices of drugs have been prohibitively on the rise since last year. It requires a huge amount of money to be able to afford those medications. Apart from my own personal money, I rely on support from family and occasionally, from some good-spirited friends, and I’ve also had to prioritize my spending. However, accessing medications can be challenging, especially when there are shortages or long queues at pharmacies.
AHR: Have you had to make any significant lifestyle changes since your diagnosis, and how have you been able to adapt to these changes?
Answer: Yes, I’ve had to make significant changes, including changing my diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring my blood sugar levels. It’s been tough, but I’ve learned to adapt and make these changes a part of my daily routine.
AHR: What support systems do you have in place to help you manage your diabetes, and how important have these support systems been in your journey so far?
Answer: I have a strong support system, including family and friends. They’ve been instrumental in helping me stay on track with my treatment plan. I also attend support groups, which have been helpful in connecting me with others who understand what I’m going through.
AHR: What message would you like to convey to other diabetes patients in Nigeria who may be struggling to cope with their condition, especially in the face of economic hardship?
Answer: I would say that managing diabetes is tough, but it’s not impossible. Don’t give up, even when things seem overwhelming. Seek support, prioritize your health, and advocate for yourself. We deserve access to affordable healthcare and medications.”
AHR: Are there any policies or initiatives that you think the government or healthcare system could implement to better support diabetes patients in Nigeria?
Answer: Yes, I think the government could implement policies to make medications and healthcare more affordable. They could also invest in public awareness campaigns to educate people about diabetes and its management. There is no gainsaying the fact that the cases of diabetes might surge beyond the imagined level by 2025 according to a research by global experts because of the prohibitive costs of food and drugs prescribed for victims and potential victims. This is where government policies I am talking about should come to play so that the prices of drugs can come down for poor people to be able to afford them.
AHR: Finally, what are your hopes and aspirations for your future, and how do you plan to continue managing your diabetes despite the challenges you face?
Answer: My hope is to live a healthy and fulfilling life despite my diabetes. I plan to continue prioritizing my health, seeking support when I need it, and advocating for myself and others living with diabetes.
