TheCable

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he was diagnosed with diabetes over 30 years ago yet he is stronger than many young people.

Obasanjo said this on Friday after leading hundreds of people on a road walk for diabetes awareness in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.

He said if well managed, diabetes cannot kill people.

Obasanjo recalled that his primary school headmaster was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 50 but lived up to 85 years as a result of proper management of the ailment.

“Diabetes is not a disease that should kill, I was diagnosed to be diabetic more than 30 years ago but rather, I am growing strong,” he said.

“If you don’t believe I am growing strong and you didn’t witness this walk, come and see me at night, you will know I am growing strong. Come and see me in the morning, you will know I am growing, even in the afternoon, you will know I am growing strong.

“What is necessary is a management of diabetes. Some people said some diseases are incurable, but diabetes is manageable and compliant.

“My headmaster in primary school was diagnosed at the age of 50 and died at age 85, you will agree with he tried.

“What to do is that if you’re diabetic don’t be nonchalant about it and don’t eat carelessly. Three things are important, the food you eat, regular exercise and prescribed medication, those are the three most important things.

“You can be diabetic and still live till 100. I don’t know when I would die but I am above 80 and many of the youth could not catch up with my pace during the exercise this morning, many of them were running to keep pace me.