Medical experts have urged Nigerians to routinely check their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels to prevent complications associated with diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.

They gave the advice at a health sensitisation workshop and medical outreach organised by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), NAN Chapel, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The event was organised in collaboration with NISA Premier Hospital ahead of the 2026 World Diabetes Day, marked on November 14.

Speaking at the workshop, a family physician at NISA Premier Hospital, Fatima Aminu, described diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases as interconnected non-communicable diseases with similar risk factors.

She identified age, genetic predisposition and family history as non-modifiable risk factors, while obesity, physical inactivity, smoking and unhealthy lifestyle habits were modifiable factors.

Ms Aminu explained that hypertension was particularly dangerous because many people could have elevated blood pressure without experiencing noticeable symptoms until complications developed.

She identified excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss and persistent tiredness as possible warning signs of diabetes.

According to her, severe hypertension can also cause headaches and blurred vision, although the absence of symptoms did not necessarily mean an individual has normal blood pressure.

The physician said uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension could damage vital organs, leading to complications such as blindness, kidney disease, heart failure and stroke.

She advised Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular physical activity, healthy eating, adequate sleep and effective stress management.

On disease management, Ms Aminu said diabetes and hypertension were chronic conditions that could be controlled through lifestyle modifications, prescribed medications and regular medical follow-ups.

She cautioned patients against discontinuing prescribed medications without consulting their doctors, explaining that blood pressure and blood sugar levels could rise when treatment was stopped without medical supervision.

The physician also recommended the plate rule for healthier eating, advising individuals to fill half their plates with vegetables, one-quarter with protein and the remaining quarter with carbohydrates.

She urged Nigerians to prioritise routine screening, emphasising that early detection was essential to preventing complications.

“Know your numbers and protect your life. Always check your blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels,” she advised.

Earlier, Chairman, NUJ NAN Chapel, Abuja, Collins Yakubu-Hammer, said the workshop was organised to sensitise members to diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular health, particularly given the demands of journalism.

He explained that journalists, especially editors and reporters, faced occupational health challenges, including prolonged sitting, stressful assignments and demanding work schedules.

According to him, the chapel considered it necessary to partner with a health institution to educate members on preventing the diseases and managing them if already diagnosed.

Mr Yakubu-Hammer said the outreach would also enable members to undergo medical checks, including blood pressure and blood sugar tests, to ascertain their health status.

He urged staff of the agency to take routine medical examinations seriously rather than relying on medications whenever they experienced minor symptoms.

The chairman said the initiative would be sustained, adding that the chapel organised an eye-health workshop in 2025 in collaboration with Sightsavers, during which participants received free eye examinations and eyeglasses.

He said the chapel planned to continue organising similar programmes annually, focusing on different health concerns to promote the wellbeing and productivity of staff.

(NAN)