Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has revealed that he has managed diabetes for 30 years, stressing the importance of understanding his body, taking medication and undergoing regular medical tests.
Kosoko made this known in an interview with African-a-list, where he discussed how he manages the condition and his plans to help less privileged colleagues access medical check-ups.
The actor said he was diagnosed with diabetes in 1996 and has since learnt to recognise his body’s needs and respond to changes in his health. “I became diabetic in 1996. I’ve been managing it for 30 years, so you can easily understand why I understand my condition. In fact, I understand my health more than some doctors.”
Kosoko said he knows when to take medication and when to make changes to his routine. He also cautioned against relying on claims that miracles alone could cure the condition. “I know when I need to take action or when I need to take medication. I refuse to allow anybody to deceive me into believing that a miracle can solve it. We are aware of the causes of high blood sugar, and as such, you just need to understand your ailment. Get to understand your body.”
The actor added that recognising his symptoms helps him determine when he needs sugar, rest or adequate sleep. He also stressed the need to remain active without putting himself under stress.
Kosoko further disclosed that he underwent a colonoscopy about a week before the interview, describing regular medical examinations as an important part of monitoring his health. “Of course, I don’t joke with the different tests I take to ensure that things are in order. Just about a week ago, I had another test. They call it a colonoscopy. They check everything to detect whether any ailment, especially cancer or something similar, is growing anywhere in the body. It wasn’t difficult.”
The actor also announced plans to establish a foundation to help less privileged colleagues pay for medical check-ups.
He said the initiative would encourage them to pay attention to their health before their conditions worsened. “I want to form a foundation just for that. I will be taking my less privileged colleagues for check-ups to help them start doing something about their health. We should not wait until things get worse.”
Kosoko urged people to take responsibility for their health and seek medical attention, acknowledging that death is inevitable. “Anybody can die at any time. It all depends, but at least try for yourself. Try for yourself, and if death eventually comes, to God be the glory. He knows when He wants to call you. That’s what you need to understand.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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