Civil servants in Anambra State are to henceforth undergo screening for diabetes and hypertension as part of measures to curb the spread of the diseases in the state.

Addressing journalists in Awka Monday as part of activities to mark this year’s World Diabetes Day, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Josephat Akabuike, said that about 1.5 million Nigerians were suffering from diabetes, out of about 420 million global record.

He explained that the screening exercise would commence as soon as the necessary logistics were put in place, saying that eating pattern is one of the major factors that could induce the spread of the disease.

Akabuike noted that Anambra State Government had created the non communicable disease unit in the state ministry of health, which oversees diabetes and other related ailments, adding that the unit has been undertaking periodic screening of diabetes.

Akabuike said, “All hospitals in the state have also been screening people for diabetes, while my ministry has been undertaking health education on diabetes, especially as regards optimum dietary intake, physical exercises and how to stay within the normal body weight.”

While describing diabetes as a complex metabolic disease characterised by high blood sugar, frequent passage of urine, excessive thirst, eating very much and loss of weight, the commissioner noted that the disease could be reduced by adopting good eating habits, physical exercises and maintaining a normal body weight.

He described diabetes as a disease that affects all organs of the body thereby leading to complications like stroke, ischemic heart attacks, hypertension, peripheral nerve damage, blindness, among others.

According to Akabuike, there are two types of diabetes; type 1, which is not hereditary and type 2, which is hereditary.

He further explained that diabetes could be treated and urged individuals to always monitor their blood sugar levels and take action when it exceeded normal limits and consult doctors for guidance.

•Photo shows Anambra Governor Willie Obiano.

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