Millions of Nigerians have diabetes, and many do not know it until they have complications like eye problems, wounds that won’t heal or kidney disease. A simple blood test can catch it early. Here is what to look out for and what you can do.
🚩 Warning signs
- Passing urine often, especially at night
- Always thirsty
- Feeling tired all the time
- Losing weight without trying
- Blurred vision
- Wounds or sores that heal slowly
- Tingling or numbness in the feet or hands
- Frequent infections (skin, gums, private parts)
Many people with type 2 diabetes have no signs at all in the early years. That is why testing matters.
🧪 Who should test
- Adults over 40, and younger adults who are overweight
- Anyone with a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
- People with high blood pressure
- Women who had diabetes in pregnancy or a baby over 4 kg
- Anyone with the signs above
A fasting blood sugar test or an HbA1c test at a hospital, clinic or lab tells you if you have diabetes or “prediabetes” (higher than normal, but not yet diabetes). Pharmacies with glucose meters can do a quick check, but confirm any high result at a clinic.
