By Stephen Simon
The Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria (EMSON) has raised concerns over the shortage of specialist doctors and the rising cost of diabetes treatment, warning that millions of Nigerians could face inadequate care without urgent government intervention.
The society called on the Federal Government to expand health insurance coverage, improve access to diagnostic services and make essential medicines, insulin and modern glucose-monitoring devices more affordable.
The warning was contained in a communiqué issued after EMSON’s 47th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Abuja from September 23 to 25, 2026.
The society identified the shortage and uneven distribution of endocrinologists, coupled with the migration of skilled medical professionals, as major obstacles to effective management of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
The scale of the challenge is reflected in figures disclosed by EMSON President, Professor Andrew Uloko, who recently told PUNCH Healthwise that Nigeria had between 150 and 200 practising endocrinologists, many concentrated in major cities.
The International Diabetes Federation’s 2025 Diabetes Atlas estimated that 2.99 million Nigerian adults were living with diabetes in 2024, with approximately 78.7 per cent of cases undiagnosed. It projected that the number could rise to 6.6 million by 2050 if current trends persist.
The federation also estimated that diabetes accounted for 40,990 deaths among Nigerian adults in 2024.
Against this background, EMSON urged the government to increase postgraduate training opportunities for endocrinologists, improve specialist retention and ensure more equitable distribution of healthcare professionals across the six geopolitical zones.
The society also advocated the integration of diabetes services into primary and secondary healthcare facilities to promote early detection and reduce complications.
On obesity and related metabolic conditions, it called for national prevention strategies and greater emphasis on lifestyle medicine, supported by multidisciplinary teams of physicians, nutritionists, psychologists and other health professionals.
EMSON further highlighted the need to improve care for women with reproductive endocrine disorders, including polycystic ovarian conditions, menopause and diabetes in pregnancy.
It also called for stronger paediatric endocrine services, national registries for rare endocrine disorders and increased funding for locally relevant medical research.
The society urged the government and relevant health agencies to translate its recommendations into practical policies to improve access to affordable treatments and specialist care.
