Endocrinologists have called on the Federal Government to subsidise insulin and introduce a dedicated policy to improve access to the life-saving medication for Nigerians living with Type 1 diabetes.

🇳🇬 Here's What Happened

The doctors said the rising cost of insulin was placing a significant financial burden on young people living with the condition.

They warned that inability to access the medication could have fatal consequences.

The call was made on Wednesday during the sixth Annual Ogun State Youth Diabetes Camp organised by the Talabi Diabetes Centre in Abeokuta.

📌 Key Details

The Camp Coordinator of the Talabi Diabetes Centre, Dr Olubiyi Adeshina, explained that Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, leaving affected persons dependent on insulin for survival.

Adeshina warned that prolonged failure to take insulin could result in dangerously high blood sugar, coma and death.

He said, “All the days of their lives, at least three times a day, they will need to inject that insulin or else the blood sugar goes excessively high.”

Adeshina said the cost of insulin had increased significantly, noting that a vial which previously cost about N5,000 now sells for approximately N25,000.

He added that some patients required about two vials monthly, translating to about N50,000 spent on insulin alone every month, excluding other expenses such as blood glucose monitoring.

“It’s a tough battle. How are we going to get insulin to these young people so that they can survive into adulthood?” he asked.

📰 Source: Punch Nigeria