Diabetes is a worldwide menace, but especially in Nigeria, which has the leading cases of diabetes in Africa. Research shows that 1 out of 17 adult Nigerians live with diabetes, and about 60% of these are women. Women are more susceptible to diabetes, and studies show that this is largely due to hormonal changes. Among the Nigerian population that stands at risk of diabetes, young women face unique challenges.

In this article, we will explore the causes and also discuss preventive and management strategies for diabetes among young women in Nigeria. By understanding these concepts, young Nigerian women will be empowered to lead healthier lives.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that targets the digestive system, affecting how the body produces energy from food. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

1. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. In this case, the immune system launches an attack on insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is the hormone in the body that processes sugar into energy. The exact cause is unknown, so there is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. However, there are medications and therapies in place to manage the disease.

2. Type 2 diabetes, however, develops as a result of genetic and lifestyle factors. It can be a result of being overweight, having a bad diet, or being inactive.

If you were wondering, “Doesn’t sugar cause diabetes?” Well, the answer is yes. Excess sugar intake, which leads to being overweight, is a major lifestyle factor that can cause type 2 diabetes.

In both types of diabetes, insulin production is hindered, which leads to high blood sugar levels, which can damage the eyes, kidneys, and other organs. Diabetes can also lead to other diseases like stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and heart disease.

The symptoms of diabetes are common in both men and women, and they are:

• Fatigue

• Slow-healing sores

• Frequent urination

• Genital yeast infections

• Increased thirst 

• Blurred vision

However, there are some symptoms of diabetes that are more common in women:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

• Depression

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Click Here to Learn More About PCOS, Symptoms and Treatment

The Challenge of Diabetes Among Young Women in Nigeria

Gen Z females in Nigeria face a unique challenge with diabetes, posing a risk to their wellbeing and overall quality of life. Genetic factors, combined with social influences and lifestyle choices, contribute to the growing vulnerability of young adult women to this disease. Understanding these causes and the prevention methods will play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge effectively.

Causes of Diabetes Among Young Nigerian Women

1. Genetic Predisposition

This is one primary factor that increases the risk of diabetes in young women. Certain genetic mutations make people more vulnerable to the disease. Professionals advise that young adults research their genetic background and family history for pre-occurrence of the disease; prior occurrence might indicate higher vulnerability in descendants. This is essential so that they can take proactive measures towards prevention.

2. Unhealthy Eating Patterns

Fast food outlets are everywhere around us today, and they even get more accessible through home delivery services. This ease of access has led many Nigerians away from healthier eating patterns. These high-calorie foods and snacks, along with sugary drinks, contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance. We understand that you have cravings; we all have them. However, you should still prioritize a regular, balanced diet based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins.

3. Sedentary Lifestyle

In recent times, especially since the lockdown era, many people have moved to a more stay-at-home lifestyle. Many young Nigerians are employed in remote (work-from-home) positions. Owing to this, Many young women end up spending the whole day sitting in front of a screen. This lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain and decrease insulin sensitivity, which increases the risk of developing diabetes. Many professionals recommend that you “touch grass.” Take some time to engage in exercise—cycling, walking, or running—to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

4. Socioeconomic Factors

We can all agree that even the simplest of things have become a luxury in Nigeria. Access to quality healthcare is exclusive to the wealthy, and economic opportunities are tight. These leave education and enlightenment as the easiest ways to help young Nigerian women in the fight against diabetes. However, you can sign up for affordable healthcare plans, like InteraX, that promote equitable access to healthcare and help young adult women fight against diabetes. While we try to understand how health insurance has become a status symbol in Nigeria, you can adopt healthier behaviours and more affordable healthcare.

Prevention Strategies for Diabetes Among Young Women in Nigeria

Prevention is better than cure, and with a disease like diabetes, sometimes prevention is the only option you have. So here are a few prevention tips that professionals over at InteraX recommend:

1. Education and Awareness Programs

The surefire method of prevention is enlightenment. The more people know about the disease and its risk factors, the less likely they are to develop it. Education programs can be put into schools and communities, close to young people to teach them the benefits of making healthy lifestyle choices, eating right, and exercising regularly. Engaging with medical experts and nutritionists can also be helpful in the prevention and even management of Diabetes.

2. Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits

To prevent diabetes, it is vital to encourage healthy eating habits. Young women may be more inclined to eat healthier if the benefits of balanced diets are properly highlighted, particularly their role in lowering the risk of diabetes. To promote better nutritional habits, nutritious meals should also be made more accessible.

3. Promoting Physical Activity

Community centres and healthcare organisations can host sporting events and outdoor activities to engage Gen Z females and get them moving. Young adults often overlook the importance of physical activity. Organising fitness classes that stress the importance of physical health in preventing diseases like diabetes can motivate them to live a more active life. This will even help prevent other chronic diseases, not just diabetes.  

4. Access to Healthcare Services

As mentioned earlier, a development that would help manage diabetes among young women is accessible healthcare. Check-ups, diabetes tests, and consultations with experts should not be VIP perks. Mobile clinics and community health centers can go a long way toward providing quality healthcare to even remote areas. NGOs can also help initiate programs targeting diabetes prevention for young adult women in these demographics.

Management Techniques for Diabetes in Nigerian Women

There is no known cure for diabetes; however, Gen Z females who develop the disease can still go on to live long, full lives. There are ways the disease can be maintained or suppressed so that it does not affect the victim critically. Here are some of them:

1. Medication and Treatment Options

People who have already developed the disease are strongly advised to take proper medication for management. This proper medication consists mainly of insulin and other necessary supplies needed to regulate blood glucose levels. It is most dangerous to attempt self-prescribing treatment for diabetes. In addition to the medication, regular check-ups to monitor blood glucose levels and medical consultations are routine practices that will ensure optimal diabetes management.

2. Lifestyle Modifications

It is important to note that medication is not enough; there have to be changes to lifestyle patterns too. Young women who are diagnosed with diabetes are advised to make healthier life choices; adopt a nutritious diet, be more physically active, and maintain a healthy weight. Simply practising these in your day-to-day life can help regulate blood sugar levels.

3. Emotional and Psychological Support

Diabetes does not only cause physical discomfort, it can also affect the patient emotionally and psychologically. Support groups and counselling agencies can help ease the mental burden of living with diabetes. Discussing their experiences in a safe and understanding space can notably impact the wellbeing of young Nigerians living with diabetes. 

Also read: How to Cope With Postpartum Depression as a Nigerian Mother

Conclusion

Diabetes is a disease that threatens nearly every young woman in Nigeria. However, there are also a number of things that can be done to prevent or manage the disease. It is important for young women and the community at large to be aware of the risks and to take steps to prevent the disease. 

Diabetes among young women in Nigeria is expected to skyrocket in the coming years, but with a strategic approach of prevention, education, and management, we should be able to control this.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to a trained professional at interaxhealth.com. Stay safe and stay healthy.