Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, says the growing preference for junk and highly processed foods is contributing to the rising cases of diabetes in Nigerian households.
Soludo, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, made the assertion in a statement on Friday to mark World Diabetes Day, celebrated globally every Nov. 14.
The 2025 commemoration focuses on the theme – ‘Diabetes Across Life Stages’.
She said: “Diabetes has found its way into our homes largely because we prefer junks and unhealthy foods instead of what nature has richly blessed us with.
“We must rethink our choices if we are serious about winning this ever-raging war,” she said.
Soludo urge Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles as a key step to reducing the rising cases of diabetes in the country,” she
She stressed that while routine medical check-ups remain crucial for early detection and management of diabetes, lifestyle modification is the first and most important line of defence.
“Lifestyle choices can kill or save. A large chunk of what we consume today is really killing us.
“We must pay closer attention to whatever goes into our body – food, drinks or anything else. This is where Healthy Living plays its biggest role,” she said.
According to her, diabetes remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, with official figures indicating that over three million Nigerians are currently living with the disease.
She added that the real number is likely much higher, as millions of cases remain undiagnosed, making the situation ‘even more disturbing’.
Soludo emphasised that controlling the diabetes epidemic requires collective effort.
“Tackling diabetes in our communities is a task that demands both hands.
“There is the need for families, governments and health stakeholders to intensify awareness and promote healthier habits,”she said.
She reaffirmed her commitment through the Healthy Living Initiative to continue advocating good nutrition, regular exercise and lifestyle discipline as sustainable pathways to reducing the burden of diabetes across all age groups.
