Lifestyle, Stress Fuel Surge In Hypertension, Diabetes Among Youth – Doctor
Rising Burden of Lifestyle Diseases Among Young Nigerians
A medical expert has raised concerns over the increasing number of young Nigerians being diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes, warning that unhealthy lifestyles, poor nutrition, chronic stress and physical inactivity are accelerating the spread of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the country.
Dr. Marvelous Idemudia, a medical doctor at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Clinic, said conditions traditionally associated with older adults are now affecting younger people at an alarming rate, creating fresh public health challenges.
Speaking in an interview, Idemudia noted that the growing prevalence of these illnesses reflects changing lifestyles and poor health habits among many young adults.
Changing Lifestyle Patterns Driving the Trend
According to the physician, unhealthy eating habits, excessive consumption of processed foods, high salt and sugar intake, prolonged sitting, inadequate exercise and persistent stress have become major contributors to hypertension and diabetes among younger Nigerians.
She explained that many young professionals spend long hours at work with little opportunity for physical activity, while poor dietary choices and inadequate sleep further increase their health risks.
“The increasing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among young adults should not be ignored,” she said.
She warned that unless preventive measures are prioritised, Nigeria could witness a growing burden of chronic illnesses with significant social and economic consequences.
Late Diagnosis Increases Health Risks
Idemudia observed that many young adults rarely undergo routine medical examinations because they mistakenly believe hypertension and diabetes are diseases of old age.
According to her, this misconception often results in delayed diagnosis, allowing the conditions to progress silently before symptoms become obvious.
She stressed that regular blood pressure and blood sugar checks remain essential for early detection, especially for individuals with a family history of either condition.
Early diagnosis, she noted, greatly improves treatment outcomes and reduces the likelihood of severe complications.
Preventing Serious Complications
The doctor warned that poorly managed hypertension and diabetes could lead to life-threatening complications, including stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and other long-term health problems.
She therefore encouraged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles by exercising regularly, maintaining balanced diets, reducing the consumption of junk food and sugary beverages, limiting salt intake, managing stress effectively and getting adequate sleep.
She added that lifestyle modification remains one of the most effective tools for preventing non-communicable diseases.
Call for Collective Public Health Action
Idemudia urged government agencies, employers, healthcare providers, educational institutions and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns on lifestyle diseases.
She said combating hypertension and diabetes requires coordinated efforts involving individuals, families, workplaces and policymakers to promote healthier living, improve access to preventive healthcare and encourage regular medical screening.
According to her, reducing the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases will depend largely on prevention, early diagnosis and sustained public education.
