I’ve been diabetic for more than 30 years – Obasanjo

Obasanjo advises diabetic patients.

Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo says diabetes is not a killer disease and will only kill those who take its treatment with carelessness.

Obasanjo said this on Friday in Abeokuta during a road walk organized by the South West Zone of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) in collaboration with the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), to mark the 2017 World Diabetes Day.

Obasanjo said he was diagnosed of diabetes more than 30 years ago and that he has been growing stronger, advising the people living with the disease to always eat right, engage in physical exercise and take their medications regularly.

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The former president said he does physical exercise regulary despite his old age, lamenting that many youths rarely engage in physical activities.

“Diabetes is not a disease that should kill. I was diagnosed to be diabetic more than 30 years ago but rather I am growing stronger.

“If you don’t believe I am growing strong and you didn’t witness this walk, come and see me at night, you will know I am growing strong.

“Come and see me in the morning, you will know I am growing strong, even in the afternoon; you will know I am growing strong.

“What is necessary is management of diabetes. Some people said some diseases are incurable but diabetes is manageable and compliant.

“My headmaster in primary school was diagnosed at the age of 50 and died at age 85; you will agree with me that he tried,” Obasanjo said.

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He added, “What to do is that if you’re diabetic don’t be nonchalant about it and don’t eat carelessly. Three things are important, the food you eat, regular exercise and prescribed medication, those are the three most important things.

“You can be diabetic and still live till 100. I don’t know when I will die but I am above 80 and many youth could not catch up with my pace during the exercise this morning. Many of them were running after me.

“This is my message. Whether you’re diabetic or you have a family or friend who is diabetic; diabetes is not a killer disease or it should not be a killer disease unless you are careless.”

It was learnt that the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Commissioner for Health in Ogun, Babatunde Ipaye, and Chief Executive Officer of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, Olalekan Makinde joined obasanjo in the walk.