The World Health Organization in a recent report released in commemoration of the World Health Day 2016 said that 422 million adults live with diabetes, in mainly in developing countries.

The report, which calls for global action to stop the rise and improve care for people with diabetes is yielding fruits already as Hacey Health Initiative in collaboration with the Nigeria Medical Students Association, NIMSA last week, put together a free-for-all medical outreach at the Agege Primary Health Care Center, Lagos .

The outreach, which had over 50 volunteers, mainly members of the NIMSA, witnessed massive turn out from Lagosians, especially, residents around the Ifako-Ijaye area of the state. Medical services like blood sugar test, malarial screening, counseling and sensitization, prescription as well as intervention materials like drugs were offered at no cost.

Diabetes is diagnosed with three Cardinal features ; increased thirst, increased urination and increased appetite for food. It also result into complications like hypertension, heart disease, eye problem, stroke, poor injury healing.

Speaking to newsmen, Lanre Olarenwaju, an executive of NIMSA revealed that although diabetes is deadly, “there are things you can do to prevent it, for example, engage in physical activities, take a walk, avoid junks, take balanced diet, eat fruit, quit smoking and drinking among other preventive measures”

The outreach appears timely as many of the participants confessed to our reporter not to have had any sort of medical test for years. One is quoted saying “I don’t go to hospital for any test, I just sleep, wake up and feel good”
Many of the participants however, praised the organizers.