Evaluating the challenges and opportunities for diabetes care policy in Nigeria

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic, non-communicable disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from defects in insulin function, secretion, or both. Nigeria has a National Guideline on the Prevention, Control, and Management of Diabetes Mellitus. The guideline was developed in 2021 for healthcare practitioners and facilities to enhance their standard of care for diabetic patients, thereby enhancing the management and control of diabetes in Nigeria. Diabetes accounts for 1.52% of the total deaths in Nigeria. Given the high prevalence of diabetes in the country, there is a need for a national policy on diabetes care. This study evaluates the challenges associated with the formulation and implementation of a diabetes care policy in Nigeria. Identified challenges include inadequate funding of the healthcare system, insufficient human resources, poor health infrastructure, corruption, and low socioeconomic status. This study highlights and alerts policymakers to the challenges associated with diabetes, including its economic burden, the specific obstacles in formulating and implementing diabetes healthcare policy in Nigeria, and how this policy could help ameliorate the rising cases of diabetes in Nigeria. The study recommends that the government prioritize increased healthcare funding, human resource development, and infrastructure improvement while addressing corruption and implementing targeted interventions to improve socioeconomic conditions.