How I Have Managed Diabetes For Over 40 Years – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday revealed how he has managed diabetes for more than four decades.

He attributed the management to his active lifestyle, disciplined diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, routine medical check-ups, and strict adherence to prescribed medications.

Obasanjo spoke at the launch of the “Lagos to the World” expedition, a global road journey aimed at promoting cancer awareness, early detection and African integration.

The event was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The former president, while commending the initiative conceived by entrepreneur and BMW enthusiast, Erik Nwagwu, in memory of his late mother and sister who died from cancer, used the occasion to stress the importance of healthy living and early medical intervention.

He praised Nwagwu for turning personal loss into a campaign that could benefit countless others.

Speaking about his own health journey, Obasanjo disclosed that he has lived with diabetes for more than 40 years.

“I have a disease that is not curable yet and that’s diabetes.

“I have been diagnosed diabetic more than 40 years ago. I still manage it,” Obasanjo said.

The former president explained that maintaining a strict lifestyle routine has enabled him to remain physically active despite his age.

“But what do I do? I play squash three times a week — Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, if I’m around. I watch what I eat.

“Diet can be exciting, can be pleasurable. But if you eat badly, then the consequence can also be bad on you. And then rest,” he said.

According to him, adequate rest is just as important as proper nutrition and exercise.

“You saw me early this morning. Then I went to church. Then I came back and I told my boy that the only time he can wake me up is when you come. And when I must rest, I will rest,” he said.

Obasanjo summarised his approach to healthy living with what he called “DREMS.”

“So diet, rest, exercise is very, very important. And then there’s what I call DREMS. D — Diet, R — Rest, E — Exercise and M — Medical,” Obasanjo said.

He emphasised the importance of regular medical screening and early diagnosis.

The former president urged older Nigerians to take routine health checks seriously.

Earlier, Nwagwu explained that the “Lagos to the World” expedition would be carried out in phases, culminating in a round-the-world journey next year.

“Lagos to the World is a circumnavigation of the globe in three legs.

“The first leg, now I’m going to Accra, I’ll come back. The second leg I’ll go to Senegal and I’ll come back. Then next year I’ll now circumnavigate the globe through West Africa to North Africa, through Europe, Asia, Asia to North America, then Central America, South America, then we’ll ship the car to Australia, then Australia to South Africa, then I drive back to Lagos,” he said.

Nwagwu said one of the major objectives of the expedition is to raise awareness about prostate cancer, particularly among African men.

“Prostate cancer, especially in black men, especially sub-Saharan Africa, is the number one leading cause of cancer deaths in males and you find that many people don’t do testing,” he said.

He disclosed that the initiative, in partnership with Zuri Health, is offering free screenings.

Nwagwu added that another key message of the expedition is promoting a positive image of Nigeria and advancing African integration.

“Africa’s problems should be solved within Africa.

“And you know the narrative concerning Nigerians and Nigeria. All you see in the press are mostly negative stories. The good ones, they don’t spread. There are many Nigerians doing many positive things,” he said.