An endocrinologist, Dr Ayuba Magana has advised diabetic patients to include Bambara nut in their diets to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Mugana, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Bauchi, said the nutritional content of the grain makes it suitable for diabetic patients, as it does not elevate blood sugar levels.
“The Bambara nut contains fibre, minerals and vitamins.
“The high fibre content ensures that sugar is released into the bloodstream slowly,” he said.
According to him, the nut is also rich in protein, which supports weight loss, and contains healthy fats and potassium that help maintain blood pressure.
“It also has magnesium and B vitamins that aid normal heart and brain function,” he added.
Mugana said the grain could be consumed boiled, roasted or processed into flour for various recipes.
He advised diabetic patients to adhere to portion control when consuming Bambara nut or any other food.
The expert further listed constipation as a complication experienced by patients.
He explained that some of the diabetic patients complain of poor bowel movement for up to seven days.
“Hard stools, not going to toilet are signs of diabetic complication.
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“The blood sugar damages the nerves from stomach to intestine,” he said.
Mugana emphasised on consuming more vegetables as solution to constipation and other poor bowel movement experience by patients.
Nigeria health experts warn rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, fried foods and sugary diets are driving a diabetes surge. Particularly sharp is the rise in Type 1 diabetes cases, while low awareness and limited screening means many young Nigerians remain undiagnosed.
“We are seeing diabetes in younger people now,” said Mary Nkem Babalola, a public health worker with the Funmilayo Florence Babalola Foundation, which combats the illness in underserved Nigerian communities.
“We need early screening, public education and access to affordable test kits and insulin,” she added.
Nigeria’s health authorities warn the surge is fast becoming one of the country’s most urgent public health threats.
Nigeria now has 11.4 million people living with diabetes, according to the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, one of the highest figures in sub-Saharan Africa.
That figure of diagnosed cases alone exceeds the combined population of Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho, though it remains a fraction of Nigeria’s around 220 million citizens.
The association has urged the government to declare a state of emergency on diabetes care.
Global bodies have raised similar alarms. The World Health Organization projects diabetes will become the seventh leading cause of death by 2030, while the International Diabetes Federation estimates over 24 million Africans currently live with the condition.
Diabetes has flown under the radar while infectious diseases dominate Africa’s health agenda. But experts warn of deep impacts on households, health systems and economies.
The diabetes association said emergency status would compel the federal government to develop a national response plan and introduce targeted policies.
Currently, Nigeria’s National Health Insurance Scheme does not cover most diabetes drugs or basic consumables such as glucose meters and test strips, leaving many patients unable to manage the disease.
NAN
