World Diabetes Day: YALI Southwest Calls for Early Detection, Stronger Research, and Community Awareness
The YALI RLC Alumni Association of Nigeria, Southwest Region, joined the global community on Thursday, November 14, 2025, to commemorate World Diabetes Day with a virtual public health dialogue themed “Diabetes & Well-Being.”
The session convened medical experts, public health advocates, and YALI alumni to address Nigeria’s growing diabetes burden and to strengthen community-level preventive strategies.
Hosted by Mr. Aforinwo Babs’Deji and moderated by Nurse Adewuyi Tolulope, the webinar featured insightful presentations from Dr. Peter Ajanson, National President of YALI RLC Nigeria and international medical trainer, and MLS Onaoluwa Abimbola, Team Lead of the Volunteer Medical Laboratory Scientists (VMLS).
Dr Peter Ajanson
Dr. Ajanson identified diabetes as a chronic metabolic disorder and an escalating public health challenge in Nigeria. He simplified the condition by explaining that diabetes arises either from insufficient insulin production (Type 1 Diabetes) or the body’s inability to respond to insulin (Type 2 Diabetes). MLS Abimbola expanded the discussion by highlighting Gestational Diabetes, which affects pregnant women and increases their risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Dr. Ajanson raised concerns that many Nigerians receive their diagnosis too late due to limited awareness, inadequate screening, and the widespread practice of dismissing early warning signs—such as frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, and blurred vision.
According to him, “Well-being for individuals living with diabetes goes beyond medicine. It includes mental health, a support system, good nutrition, supportive relationships, and an active exercise lifestyle.”
He emphasised strict adherence to lifestyle modifications and prescribed medications for successful diabetes management.
MLS Onaoluwa Abimbola
MLS Onaoluwa Abimbola noted that diabetes affects all age groups—including infants—driven by lifestyle changes, hereditary factors, hormonal shifts, stress, and unhealthy eating patterns. She underscored the vital role of routine Medical Laboratory testing—including Fasting Blood Glucose, HbA1c, urinalysis, and kidney function tests—in early diagnosis and prevention of life-threatening complications.
She urged Nigerians to use only MLSCN-validated glucose meters, available on the MLSCN website, for accurate home monitoring. Abimbola further called for increased national investment in diabetes research, especially in understanding local risk factors, determining true prevalence, improving diagnostic capacity, and supporting community-focused interventions.
“If we are to reduce the national burden of diabetes, we must prioritise research, early detection, and continuous public education,” she stated.
Participants, including Mr. Kazeem Olajide and Ms. Brodick Favour, reiterated the need for grassroots outreach in schools, worship centres, and community gatherings to improve awareness and screening uptake.
The session ended with a strong reminder: diabetes is not a death sentence. Nigerians are encouraged to take charge of their health, avoid ignoring symptoms, and undergo routine Medical Laboratory checks at least twice yearly for early detection and prevention of complications.
Southwest Regional Coordinator, Mr. Babatunde Aforinwo, appreciated all attendees and urged members to take the sensitisation message back to their communities to promote early detection, regular testing, and timely medical intervention.