Nigerians have been advised to eat healthily and increase their exercise period to reduce the risk of Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes Mellitus, referred to as a silent killer is said to have reached a pandemic proportion in many countries, including Nigeria, with probably over 2.5 million cases.

In his lecture as part of the monthly keep fit exercise for members of staff of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Pharmacist Lanre Alege disclosed that in developed countries, most people with diabetes were aged 65 years and above, while in developing countries, the age is between 45 and 65 years, regarded as the most productive period in live.

According to him, the topic, 'Diabetes Mellitus' was carefully chosen because the 2015 World Diabetes Day awareness campaign was celebrated November 14 globally.

He said that the theme for this year's celebration 'Eat healthy and increase physical activities' was to encourage everyone to eat smart and find time to exercise in order to reduce the risk for the condition, which currently affects around 387 million people across the globe.

'Diabetes can develop without symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. So, eating healthily and increasing exercise can be key to battle diabetes risk', he said.

He named insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, which carries about 90 per cent of the cases and gestational diabetes as part of the five categories of diabetes recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).

'Frequent urination, excessive thirst, blurred vision, tiredness, unusual weight loss, tingling or numbleness in the hand or feet, sores or bruises that heal slowly, which may show up together, more or one of it, are the early symptoms, and you must see the doctor for check-up', he averred.

'Some complications of untreated or poorly controlled diabetes include diabetic eye disease, diabetic foot disease, renal disease, cardiovascular disease and infections'.

listed the risk factors to include obesity, cigarette smoking, family history of diabetes, age and history of gestational diabetes.

'Few minutes of doing some exercise either at home, at a gym or even as your desk everyday will surely help you live a healthier lifestyle'.

'As much as possible, refrain from eating junk and processed foods, as well as dining at your favorite fast food chains. Home made meals may lower a person's risk for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Eat leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, lean meats, unsweetened yoghurt and nuts', he concluded.