A Bauchi-based endocrinologist, Dr. Ayuba Mugana, has warned that smokers and individuals with cholesterol-related health conditions are at significantly higher risk of developing diabetes, as lifestyle-related factors increasingly drive the spread of the disease in Nigeria.
Dr. Mugana disclosed this on Tuesday during an interview in Bauchi, where he explained that diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that affects how the body converts food into energy.
The disease occurs when blood glucose levels become abnormally high, either because the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
According to him, persistently high blood sugar can lead to a range of serious health complications if not properly managed.
“Diabetes is not caused only by heredity or high blood pressure, as many people believe,” Mugana said. “Smokers and individuals with cholesterol problems are also at significant risk.”
He explained that smoking interferes with the normal function of insulin and promotes inflammation in the body, both of which contribute to insulin resistance — a key underlying process in the development of diabetes.
“Insulin is a crucial hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and plays a vital role in energy metabolism. It allows cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy,” he said. “When insulin function is disrupted, blood sugar levels rise, increasing the risk of diabetes.”
Dr. Mugana listed common symptoms of diabetes to include excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue, noting that many people remain unaware of the disease until complications begin to emerge.
He also addressed widespread misconceptions surrounding diet, particularly the belief that local chickens are inherently healthier than broiler chickens for people living with diabetes.
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“Protein intake is important for people with diabetes,” he said, explaining that broiler chickens generally contain more fat because of their feed and limited movement, while local chickens are often leaner due to their free-range nature.
“Local chickens move around freely and feed more naturally, which makes them leaner. However, whether broilers are unhealthy largely depends on how they are prepared and consumed,” he added.
Dr. Mugana advised individuals who prefer broiler chicken to reduce fat intake by removing the skin, where most of the fat is concentrated.
The endocrinologist also raised concern about emerging trends seen in health facilities, revealing that young people are increasingly being diagnosed with diabetes.
“Recent cases show that youths are also becoming more vulnerable,” he said, attributing the trend to unhealthy lifestyles, poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and smoking.
He cautioned young Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles early, stressing that diabetes often develops silently over a long period.
“Diabetes does not usually present itself early. It often begins with insulin resistance and can take between 10 and 15 years to fully manifest,” Mugana explained.
Public health experts say the growing incidence of diabetes among younger populations underscores the need for increased awareness, early screening, and lifestyle modification, as Nigeria continues to grapple with a rising burden of non-communicable diseases.