Adedokun Waliyu 
In commemorating World Diabetes Day, University College Hospital Ibadan reports that it has 75 children with diabetes on its register, and yet beneath the statistics lie stories of remarkable resilience.
This year alone, three of the children gained admission into university, with one studying chemical and petroleum engineering, another human nutrition, and a third anatomy.
Dr Kemi Ashubu, a paediatric endocrinologist who made the disclosure, said the hospital currently runs two active registries: one for children and another for young adults, allowing them access to essential medications, glucose testing supplies, and, recently, free HbA1c tests from donor partnerships.
This support, she declared, directly reflects the hospital administration’s commitment to improving patient comfort and reducing the financial burden of chronic disease management on families.
“So many children would not have survived without these interventions; many of them are now taller than I am. We started when they were very little, and seeing them thriving is my joy,” she said.
Dr Ashubu said type 1 diabetes occurs mostly in children, leading to thirst, weight loss, excessive urination, fatigue, and, in children, even bed-wetting in previously toilet-trained children.
“These symptoms affect their ability to learn and concentrate in school. A tired child cannot perform well academically,” she added.
She stressed that no child should die of diabetes, urging parents to seek medical attention once symptoms appear and a stigma-free environment in the school to allow children living with diabetes easy access to the toilet, privacy for insulin administration and emotional support and understanding.
Dr Ashubu declared, “Some children have even been called drug addicts just for using their insulin. And many parents refuse to inform teachers because they fear discrimination. When they are supported, these children can do anything; they can learn, they can thrive, they can do sports, and they can live full lives.”
Mrs Victoria Salami, a public health nurse, said widespread misconceptions about diabetes continue to endanger lives, especially among children and families who delay seeking medical help due to the belief that diabetes affects only adults or obese individuals.
“Diabetes has no gender, no age limit. Anybody can develop diabetes at any age. I have seen children as young as two and a half years old diagnosed with diabetes. Many people, even some medical professionals, still think diabetes is only for adults. That is not true.”
Mrs Salami stressed that “99.9% of diabetic patients are not obese”, countering a common myth that weight is the primary cause rather than lifestyle, genetics, and family history being contributory factors to individuals developing diabetes.
The Deputy Director of Nursing (Public Health) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Mrs Rachel Adeoti, said that despite the challenges posed by diabetes, children with diabetes can live full, productive, and successful lives.
She, however, said responsibilities for people living with diabetes start with learning about diabetes, monitoring their blood glucose, understanding normal ranges, keeping proper records, and taking early action to prevent complications of diabetes.
The Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, commended the paediatric endocrinology team for their dedication to improving the lives and well-being of children living with diabetes and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to training and child welfare.
Otegbayo, who noted the heavy workload on paediatric staff, particularly with the unit currently operating with only one paediatric endocrinologist, emphasised the need to build capacity to understudy and support her.
“I thank you for all you are doing. I believe the children will be very happy to see how their lives are being transformed, especially regarding their well-being. Your work is transforming lives, and we will continue to support you in every way we can,” he said.
