Endocrinologists have debunked popular myths about insulin, stressing that insulin injections are a life-saving treatment for people living with diabetes. They explained that insulin helps control blood sugar and prevents serious health problems.
The experts dismissed the common belief that insulin is only given to patients who are close to death.
In recent weeks, several misleading claims about insulin have spread on social media and in community groups.
These posts falsely suggest that insulin causes weight gain, blindness, kidney failure, severe pain, or addiction. They also claim it is only for advanced cases of diabetes.
Diabetes specialists warned that such misinformation is dangerous. They said it creates fear and stigma, making patients avoid treatment that could save their lives.
Speaking with reporters, doctors explained that insulin is not a sign of defeat but a proven treatment that allows millions of people with diabetes to live healthier and longer lives.
Professor Olufemi Fasanmade, an endocrinologist at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, said wrong beliefs about insulin remain a major problem in Nigeria.
He noted that many people still think starting insulin means death is near.
“People believe insulin is a last resort, but that is not true. Insulin is one of the safest and most effective treatments for diabetes. The real danger is leaving diabetes uncontrolled, not taking insulin,” he said.
He explained that insulin is a natural hormone made in the body. In some people, especially those with type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2, the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it properly.
In such cases, insulin injections are necessary for survival and good health.
“Insulin saves lives. It is not a punishment or a death sentence. Avoiding insulin only allows high blood sugar to damage the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and other organs,” Fasanmade warned.
He also addressed cultural myths, including the belief that diabetes is caused by curses, witchcraft, or spiritual attacks.
According to him, such beliefs stop patients from seeking proper medical care, and many waste time with spiritual or traditional healers until complications set in.
He stressed that diabetes is not spiritual but a chronic medical condition, mostly linked to poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol or sugary drinks.
“It has nothing to do with village people or curses. Anyone can have diabetes—whether a pastor, imam, or president. It is a health issue,” he said.
Fasanmade added that many patients wrongly prefer herbal mixtures that claim to cure diabetes.
“Some herbs may lower blood sugar temporarily, but none can cure diabetes. Ignoring insulin for herbs can cause blindness, kidney failure, or death,” he warned.
Dr. Ede Obiamaka, a senior registrar in endocrinology at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, also expressed worry about the belief that diabetes is spiritual.
She explained that many avoid hospitals because they fear being labelled as victims of witchcraft or spiritual attacks.
“Diabetes is not caused by curses or village enemies. Anyone can develop it, no matter their faith or background,” she said.
She listed common symptoms of diabetes such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, and slow-healing wounds. She urged people with a family history to take extra care.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes uncontrolled blood sugar when the body cannot produce insulin or use it properly.
The World Health Organization has projected that the number of people with diabetes in Africa will rise to 54 million by 2045—the fastest growth rate in the world.
The UN health body linked this rise to urbanization, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity.
