National Complementary and Alternative Medicine Association (NACAMA) has urged international agencies, Federal and state governments to fashion out programmes to improve household diet to stem the spate of diabetes.
The National President of NACAMA, Prof. Peter Katchy, told newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra yesterday that the current spate of diabetes was affecting people in the active working age bracket of the nation.
He noted that it had become necessary for agencies and governments to make conscious programme that would compel vast majority of Nigerians to ``eat right and drink right at the household level'' for the prevention of the ailment.
``International and national developed and provision of diet programme is as attractive and realistic as possible to stem diabetes at all levels and each home.
``It should be a diet that also contains the entire essential element in proper proportions for health and vitality.
``A healthy breakfast should help blood sugar levels against getting too high and should keep you full through the morning,'' the NACAMA boss said.
He advised Nigerians above 35 to routinely go for blood sugar test, urine analysis and other diabetes related checks; adding that it was not difficult to recognize the symptoms of diabetes, but it is important to do appropriate tests for confirmation.
``Such symptoms as frequent urination, great thirst, gradual weight loss and weakness, mental depression, restlessness and inordinate appetite, dyspepsia (indigestion) and lassitude are noticed.
``Non specific symptoms commonly complained of are the appearance or exacerbation of cramps in the calves or feet particularly at night. Some patients complain of loss of appetite, but others develop a craving, particularly for sweet foods,'' he said.
He, however, urged diabetic patients to carry a wallet card or wear an inner tag indicating that they were diabetic so that in emergencies his doctor could be reached immediately or any other doctor can restore him to normalcy.
``The little card should have a bio-data of the patient including name, address and telephone number where possible,'' he said.
The theme of World Diabetes Day, from 2014 to 2016 is ``Healthy living starts at breakfast'', which focuses on starting each day right by having a healthy and well-constituted breakfast.
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