Jide Kosoko Shares His 30-Year Journey with Diabetes

Veteran actor Jide Kosoko has revealed that he has been living with diabetes for 30 years. He opened up about how he has managed the condition over the years.

In a clip from his interview on actress Biola Adebayo’s podcast, “Talk To B”, which went viral on Sunday, the 72-year-old actor said his long experience with diabetes has made him more aware of his health.

Kosoko mentioned that his condition has pushed him to take regular medical tests seriously, which helps him keep his health in check.

He said, “My daily activities help my health so much. I became diabetic in 1996. So, I’ve been managing it. So, you can easily understand that I understand it. In fact, I understand my health more than some doctors. And I know when to take sugar and not to. Take this or take that, my medication.

“I refuse to allow anybody to deceive me into thinking that any herb can solve it. We know the causes of high blood sugar. And as such, you need to understand your ailments. Get to understand your body. I have several signs to determine. It’s like I need sugar. I need to rest. So, with that, you are good to go.”

Kosoko explained that his journey with diabetes and a recent colonoscopy has motivated him to start a foundation. He wants to help his less privileged colleagues access medical tests.

He urged fellow actors and Nigerians to prioritize their health. He encouraged them to take steps to avoid preventable health issues.

The actor said he will cover the medical testing costs for colleagues who cannot afford it, stressing the need for everyone to take their health seriously.

“They check everything. To detect if there are any ailments. Or maybe cancer or something is growing anywhere within. And yeah, it wasn’t difficult. In fact, it wasn’t just a colonoscopy; there was another test.

“After doing everything, if death eventually comes, to God be the glory. He knows when he wants to call you. But you need to try for yourself. It’s important. We should not wait until things get worse. Anybody can die anytime,” said Kosoko.

Kosoko pointed out that illness can affect anyone. He emphasized the need to identify and address health issues early to avoid future problems.

He also mentioned that good health does not always require a lot of money. It is about following basic health guidelines, like avoiding alcohol and smoking cannabis.

He noted, “Whatever amount you are making, 20% of it is not too much to take care of yourself. Use the remaining 80% for whatever you want to do. It’s important. Our people out there, our fans, they don’t even know how much we help ourselves. They don’t know. I have been challenged on several occasions that ‘Your colleague is having this. You are not doing it.’ I say, you are only stupid because I don’t need to come to see you to help my colleague.

“There is no way one person can actually settle you completely. Is it possible? You have different things besides ailments. You have other responsibilities. You have things you need to do; in fact, we must work towards ensuring we have a trust fund as a body and work independently. To take care of all practitioners. Each of us must subscribe, even if it is one Naira. Our helpers out there are willing to help.”

The actor advised people aged 40 and above to make regular medical check-ups a priority. He stressed the importance of keeping an eye on their health as they age.

He explained that routine tests can help find hidden health issues before they become serious.

“If you get to know it on time. Am I looking like a diabetic patient? If you see me coming down, you should know it is age, if not for this topic and maybe because my dosage and medications are a regular thing. I have even seen it as food. I don’t always keep it in mind, even if I have any ailments. I have forgotten.

“But my normal daily things. Working towards my good health. I take them. And I will advise, because I only know diabetes. And my advice to all diabetic patients is to use your drugs as prescribed. Reduce your food. Eat anything you like to eat. Anything you like to eat. Moderately. In fact, my stomach cannot even take any more because I have so much to curb myself.