“I Thought It Was Just Celebration — Then I Nearly Died,” – Says Diabetic Survivor
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Kaduna resident, Saidu Kamal recounting his near-fatal diabetes complication after excessive eating during Sallah celebrations.
KADUNA, Nigeria – A 46-year-old Kaduna resident living with diabetes has shared his near-death experience after excessive eating and drinking during the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr celebration triggered a severe blood sugar crisis that left him hospitalised.
Speaking exclusively to Africa Health Report (AHR) ahead of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festivities, Saidu Kamal recounted how abandoning his prescribed diet during Sallah celebrations almost cost him his life.
Kamal said the abundance of festive meals, sugary drinks and social visits led him to ignore years of medical advice.
“I thought one celebration would not hurt me. I kept eating and drinking everywhere I went because I didn’t want to offend my hosts. By the time I realised something was wrong, I was fighting for my life. If my family had delayed taking me to the hospital, I might not be alive today.”
The Kaduna resident, who has managed diabetes for several years, said he consumed large quantities of soft drinks, sweets, rice meals and red meat over several days following Ramadan.
According to him, symptoms began with unusual thirst and fatigue before progressing to dizziness, blurred vision, confusion and frequent urination.
“My body was warning me, but I ignored the signs. On the third day, I could barely stand. I was weak, confused and struggling to move. That was when my family rushed me to the hospital.”
Doctors later discovered that his blood sugar level had risen to a dangerously high-level requiring emergency treatment.
Following several days of intensive medical care, Kamal recovered but says the incident permanently changed his attitude toward festive eating.
“No meal, no drink and no celebration is worth your life. Sallah should be a time of gratitude, not a season of self-destruction. I learned that lesson the hard way.”
Health experts warn that festive periods often increase the risk of complications among people living with diabetes, hypertension and other chronic illnesses due to overeating, excessive sugar intake and poor medication adherence.
Kamal urged Nigerians managing chronic conditions to prioritise their health and resist social pressure during celebrations.
“People may pressure you to eat, but they won’t be the ones lying in a hospital bed. Protecting your health is your responsibility.”
As families prepare for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, medical professionals continue to advise moderation, regular medication use, adequate hydration and prompt medical attention when symptoms arise.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
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