Self-Medication, Poor Regulation Fuel Diabetes Crisis in Nigeria – Expert
Mirian Gom 
self-medication
ABUJA, Nigeria – Rising diabetes cases in Nigeria are being driven by self-medication and weak regulation of foods and drugs, a medical expert warns, as lifestyle-related diseases continue to climb nationwide.
A General Physician and Head of the Medical Team at Heritage Advancement Forum, Dr Gerald Chinasa, says unchecked consumption of substandard products and widespread self-prescription are accelerating the country’s diabetes burden.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday, Chinasa says poor oversight allows unhealthy foods, sugar-laden drinks and unregulated medicines to circulate freely.
“In Nigeria, all kinds of drinks, noodles and food products are consumed without proper quality assurance,” Chinasa says. “The end result, in most cases, is non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates diabetes prevalence in Nigeria at 4.3 per cent, with rates rising due to urbanisation, physical inactivity and dietary changes. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption and obesity further increase the risk.
Chinasa says regulatory agencies face corruption and capacity challenges, allowing fake and substandard products to thrive. “Greed and lack of conscience drive the production of harmful products,” he says.
Self-medication remains a major concern, he adds, warning that over-the-counter drug misuse worsens metabolic disorders. “No one should take medication without consulting a qualified medical practitioner,” Chinasa says, urging Nigerians to seek care only in registered hospitals.
While genetics plays a role, he notes that diabetes risk increases with age due to changes in body composition and insulin sensitivity.
Globally, diabetes prevalence continues to rise, with projections showing over 500 million adults affected by 2030.
Chinasa calls for urgent reforms, including stricter enforcement of food and drug regulations and stronger support for agencies such as NAFDAC, to curb the growing public health threat.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Hussaini Ibrahim 