Across Nigeria today, a quiet but devastating epidemic is unfolding, one not heralded by sirens or social media trends, but by failing organs, blurred vision, amputated limbs, and sudden deaths. Its weapons are invisible, its reach indiscriminate, and its name: sugar. Or, more precisely, blood sugar imbalance, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Together, they form a deadly triangle that continues to steal lives from families, drain the country’s health resources, and yet remain underestimated in both public discourse and policy priority.
According to the World Health Organization, diabetes currently affects over 537 million adults globally, and Nigeria is bearing a growing burden. Recent data from the International Diabetes Federation, IDF indicates that over 4.3 million Nigerians are living with diabetes, and many more are undiagnosed. Even more alarming is the number of Nigerians suffering from high blood pressure, an estimated 30 to 35% of adults, according to the Nigeria Heart Foundation, a condition that frequently coexists with diabetes.
“We are sitting on a health time bomb,” she said, emphasizing how sugar levels, technically known as blood glucose, play a critical role in our overall health. Blood sugar, or glucose, is essential. It’s the body’s main source of energy. But problems arise when levels are either too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). The body regulates this using insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. “When your pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or your body becomes resistant to it, sugar accumulates in the blood,” Dr. Ogbu explained. “This is the beginning of Type 2 diabetes, the most common form in Nigeria today.”
“But low blood sugar,” she added sharply, “is more immediate, and often more terrifying.” Hypoglycemia can cause dizziness, shaking, sweating, confusion, blurred vision, slurred speech, seizures, and if untreated, loss of consciousness and death. “Imagine someone in traffic, suddenly unconscious. Or a school child collapsing during assembly. That’s how unforgiving low sugar can be.”
Dr. Ogbu pointed out that many diabetics die not just from high sugar but from drastic drops, especially those on insulin or certain medications. “You think you’re doing the right thing by skipping meals or overexercising. But your sugar crashes, and before help arrives, it’s too late.”
“People often think diabetes and high blood pressure are separate,” Dr. Ogbu said. “But they’re like partners in crime. One makes the other worse.” High blood sugar damages the arteries, leading to hypertension. At the same time, high blood pressure can strain the heart and kidneys, complicating diabetes treatment. “It’s a toxic cycle,” she added. “In my clinic, 7 out of every 10 diabetic patients also battle high blood pressure. They feed off each other.”
Dr. Ogbu shared chilling stories of patients who walked into her office only after years of silent symptoms. “The tragedy is that people come when the damage is done,” she lamented. “They didn’t know the signs, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, blurry vision, sudden weight loss, or even persistent infections.” She paused and added, “Sometimes, the first sign is a stroke, or kidney failure, or even blindness.”
Beyond these symptoms, the cost of neglecting sugar levels goes deeper. A recent study published by the Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice noted that diabetes-related complications now account for nearly 20% of all medical admissions in urban Nigerian hospitals. In rural areas, where access to quality healthcare is limited, the figure may be even higher, though underreported. The economic impact is also massive. Families lose breadwinners, while patients spend their life savings managing complications like dialysis, eye surgeries, or amputation recovery.
“First, know your numbers,” Dr. Ogbu said firmly. “Everyone above 30 should check their fasting blood sugar at least twice a year. If you have a family history of diabetes, check even earlier.” She outlined key strategies: Reduce sugar and processed carbs. Eat more fiber-rich vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. “Our local foods like okra, ugu, beans, they’re powerful tools,” she said. Do 30 minutes of moderate activity daily, walking, dancing, gardening, can make a huge difference. Drink water, it helps flush excess sugar from the bloodstream. “Cortisol, the stress hormone, raises blood sugar,” she explained. “That’s why poor sleep and anxiety can worsen diabetes.” Many clinics offer free screenings. “It costs less to prevent than to treat,” she reminded.
Other preventive measures include cutting down on alcohol, quitting smoking, and monitoring one’s weight. “Obesity is a sugar problem in disguise,” Dr. Ogbu said. “It’s like a red flag that your body is struggling with insulin.”
As the interview deepened, Dr. Ogbu shared a haunting case. A 34-year-old man, a banker, who collapsed in traffic and later died of diabetic complications. “He never knew he had diabetes,” she said, her voice faltering. “He thought fatigue was just part of Lagos hustle.” Another story involved a woman in her 40s who lost both legs due to untreated diabetic wounds. “Her sugar level was over 500 mg/dL when she came in. Normal should be below 140 after meals.”
Dr. Ogbu’s message is simple but urgent: “Check your sugar. Watch your lifestyle. Don’t wait till symptoms show. Diabetes doesn’t knock, it breaks in.” She urged churches, schools, and media houses to intensify awareness. “We need national campaigns, like we did for HIV and COVID-19. This is just as deadly.”
As I left the hospital, I couldn’t help but reflect on the irony: something as sweet as sugar could destroy so much. In the face of rising urbanization, poor diet, and stress, it is our ignorance, not the disease, that is our greatest threat.