Over six million Nigerians living with diabetes are facing life-threatening challenges as the cost of healthcare continues to soar. The Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) has raised urgent concerns over the increasing costs of essential diabetes medications, such as insulin, which has seen a staggering price hike of over 400%. The surge in healthcare costs has left many Nigerians unable to afford necessary treatment, worsening the impact of this chronic disease.

In a statement issued on World Diabetes Day, Dr. Ejiofor Ugwu, the National President of DAN, revealed that diabetes claims the lives of between 30,000 and 40,000 Nigerians annually. He also highlighted that an estimated 6 to 8 million Nigerians (approximately 5.7% of the population) are living with diabetes, though the actual number could be even higher, as many cases remain undiagnosed due to limited access to routine screenings.

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The rising costs of diabetes medications are further compounded by widespread poverty and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The price of insulin alone has surged from N4,000 to N18,000 per vial, making it increasingly difficult for patients to afford regular treatment. This has led to severe complications and preventable deaths, as many Nigerians are unable to manage their condition effectively.

Dr. Ugwu called for immediate action from the federal government, including subsidies for diabetes medications and related consumables. He also advocated for the reinstatement of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, which was suspended in June 2024, with the funds redirected toward diabetes and non-communicable disease prevention initiatives.

Additionally, he urged the government to conduct a national survey on non-communicable diseases to gather accurate data, which is essential for developing effective health policies and improving patient care across the nation.