Lagos Intensifies Diabetes Awareness As Residents Urged To Embrace Healthy Living And Regular Blood Sugar Checks
By Sherif Salau
Lagos residents are being encouraged to take proactive steps towards preventing and managing diabetes through healthier eating habits, regular physical activity and routine medical check-ups. With early diagnosis and consistent treatment critical to preventing complications, residents are urged not to wait for symptoms before checking their blood sugar levels and prioritising their health.
The renewed push came as the state government, in partnership with Health Matters Incorporated, marked World Diabetes Day with a Global Diabetes Walk and free screening exercise at the Alausa Secretariat. Themed “Diabetes and Well-being,” the event focused on prevention, early detection and the everyday choices that can keep the condition under control.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye, told participants that diabetes remains manageable when identified early. “Diabetes is a manageable condition if detected early. Through initiatives like this, we aim to empower Lagosians with knowledge and resources to make informed health decisions,” he said.
Dr Ogboye also announced a partnership with the Nigeria Governors Forum to expand free diabetes and hypertension screenings to 330 public health facilities across the state, ensuring wider access to early detection and intervention.
Health Matters Incorporated’s Executive Director, Dr Peter Ujomu, commended the collaboration and revealed plans to take the awareness campaign to 50 primary healthcare centres in 13 local government areas. He stressed that sustained community engagement is essential if the burden of diabetes is to be reduced.
Officials used the occasion to highlight practical steps residents can take. Balanced diets, regular physical activity, weight control and reduced intake of sugary drinks were repeatedly emphasised as powerful tools for prevention. For those already living with the condition, consistent monitoring and adherence to medical advice remain critical in avoiding complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage and vision loss.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) also used the event to promote the *Ilera Eko* health scheme, which covers routine diabetes treatments and check-ups, making ongoing care more accessible to residents.
With diabetes increasingly affecting people of working age, the message from state health authorities is clear. Knowing one’s blood sugar numbers, seeking care early, and embracing healthier daily habits can prevent the progressive damage that turns a manageable condition into a serious threat to quality of life. Lagos is intensifying the call for action — and residents are being asked to respond.
