Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he was diagnosed with diabetes more than 30 years ago but he is growing stronger, as the disease kills only those who are careless.
Obasanjo said this in Abeokuta on Friday during a road walk organized by the South West Zone of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria to draw attention to diabetes and how to manage it.
He said that diabetes is not a killer disease if one takes care of himself by exercising regularly and eating healthy.
“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,” Obasanjo said.
“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 advised diabetic persons not to be nonchalant about it but that they should exercise regularly and adhere strictly to prescribed medication.
“Three things are important: the food you eat, regular exercise and prescribed medication; those are the three most important things,” he said.
“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.”
Abdulrasheed Akanbi, traditional ruler of Iwoland, also took part in the two-kilometre walk, alongside Babatunde Ipaye, Ogun State Commissioner of Health.
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