The progressive increase in the prevalence rates of Diabetes is associated with lifestyle changes; overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, dietary changes and cigarette smoking- factors that are potentially modifiable. So much attention is being given even recently to Communicable diseases like HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria at the detriment of the emerging epidemic of Non-Communicable disease like Diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Over 30% of our elite population including decision-makers are Diabetic.

More painfully so, the majority of the Nigerian Diabetic population cannot afford meaningful treatment; and over 80% of the healthy population are ignorant about Diabetes. In contrast to Diabetes, the prevalence of HIV is on the decline, probably because information and aid for HIV/AIDs abound. The Federal Ministry of Health data on HIV State prevalence rates of HIV infection as follows:- 1.8% in 1991, 4.5% in 1996, 5.4% in 1999 and 5.0% in 2003. There are organized structures to arrest the scourge of HIV infection and provide free treatment for patients with HIV and TB. There are no known such structures for Non-communicable disease. The average monthly cost of treatment for a person with Diabetes without complication is about N10,000.00 (Ten thousand naira) of the minimum wage. There is a great need for attention to be given to Diabetes.