The Obasanjo Diabetes Management story has drawn attention after former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed that he has lived with diabetes for more than 40 years. He shared his experience while urging Nigerians to prioritise regular medical examinations, healthy lifestyles, and early disease detection.
Obasanjo spoke during the launch of the “Lagos to the World Expedition” in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The initiative aims to increase awareness about prostate cancer and encourage preventive healthcare practices.
Obasanjo Opens Up About Living With Diabetes
During the event held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the former president spoke candidly about his health journey.
According to him, diabetes remains incurable, but it can be effectively managed through discipline and healthy habits.
Obasanjo disclosed that doctors diagnosed him with diabetes more than four decades ago. Despite the condition, he continues to maintain an active lifestyle.
He explained that proper management has allowed him to remain physically active and productive over the years.
“Most diseases that are not curable are manageable. I have a disease that is not curable, and that is diabetes. I was diagnosed with diabetes more than 40 years ago, and I still manage it,” he said.
Diet, Rest and Exercise Remain Key
The former president attributed his long-term health management to consistent lifestyle choices.
He revealed that he plays squash three times each week whenever his schedule permits. He also pays close attention to his diet and ensures he gets adequate rest.
According to Obasanjo, healthy eating plays a major role in preventing complications associated with chronic illnesses.
He warned that poor dietary choices often lead to negative health outcomes.
To guide his approach to wellness, he introduced what he described as the “DREMS” principle.
The acronym stands for Diet, Rest, Exercise, Medical checks, and Social interactions.
Obasanjo said maintaining balance in these five areas has contributed significantly to his overall wellbeing.
Former President Stresses Importance of Medical Tests
A major part of the Obasanjo Diabetes Management message focused on preventive healthcare.
He encouraged Nigerians to undergo routine medical examinations, especially as they grow older.
According to him, early detection remains one of the most effective ways to manage serious health conditions.
He acknowledged that the cost of medical tests discourages many people from seeking regular health assessments.
However, he stressed that health screenings should not be neglected.
“Regular medical checks must be prioritised. If tests show early symptoms, they can be treated and dealt with,” he stated.
Obasanjo specifically advised senior citizens to take health monitoring seriously.
He noted that people aged 60 and above should make routine tests a regular part of their healthcare plans.
Lagos to the World Expedition Promotes Cancer Awareness
The event also marked the official launch of the “Lagos to the World Expedition,” a health awareness project initiated by entrepreneur and BMW enthusiast Erik Nwagwu.
Nwagwu dedicated the campaign to the memory of his late mother, Prof. Helen Nwagwu, and his late sister, Mrs. Onyema Eseka, who both died from cancer.
The expedition combines long-distance travel with public health advocacy.
Through the initiative, Nwagwu hopes to raise awareness about prostate cancer and encourage men to embrace regular screening.
The project will involve multiple journeys across Africa and eventually around the world.
Campaign Focuses on Early Detection
Speaking after the launch, Nwagwu stressed the importance of early diagnosis in reducing cancer-related deaths.
He described prostate cancer as one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among men, particularly among Black men in sub-Saharan Africa.
To support the campaign, his organisation partnered with health provider Zuri Health to conduct free health screenings.
The screenings include prostate cancer tests, blood sugar checks, body mass index assessments, and blood pressure monitoring.
Nwagwu said many people wait until symptoms appear before seeking medical help.
However, he noted that some health conditions develop silently and may only become apparent when complications arise.
He encouraged men to include prostate cancer screening in their annual health routines.
Expedition to Travel Across Continents
The awareness campaign will unfold in several phases.
The first leg involves a trip from Lagos to Accra before returning to Nigeria.
A second phase will take Nwagwu to Senegal.
The final stage, planned for next year, will see him travel across West Africa, North Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, Central America, South America, Australia, and South Africa before returning to Lagos.
Throughout the journey, the campaign will continue promoting preventive healthcare and cancer awareness.
The Obasanjo Diabetes Management story highlights the importance of discipline, healthy living, and routine medical care in managing chronic illnesses. By sharing his experience of living with diabetes for more than 40 years, the former president hopes to encourage Nigerians to take their health seriously.
His message aligns with the goals of the Lagos to the World Expedition, which seeks to increase awareness about prostate cancer and emphasise the life-saving value of early detection and regular health screenings.
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