[ 2016-11-16 ]

4 million Ghanaians suffer from Diabetes - National Diabetes Association
A careful research conducted by the National
Diabetes Association (NDA) has revealed that not
less than four million Ghanaians are currently
suffering from diabetes.

According to NDA, three out of every nine people
are suffering from the life threatening condition
across the country, resulting in over 5, 000
deaths every year.

Nevertheless, the most outrageous revelation about
the statistics from the non-communicable disease
(NCD) is that 90 percent do not know they have
diabetes.

Only 10 percent of the cases are diagnosed early
for proper medical care.

The revelation came as Ghana joined the rest of
the world to mark this year's World Diabetes Day
commemorated on November 14.

This year's celebration, themed 'Eyes ON
Diabetes', is dedicated to raising diabetes
awareness, scaling up diabetes prevention,
strengthening care and enhance surveillance.

Elizabeth Esi Denyoh, President of the National
Diabetes Association, who read out the statistics
yesterday at the commemoration of the day at Ada,
mentioned that diabetes is a chronic condition
which can result in other health complications
such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure,
damage of limb (amputations), stroke, impotence
and eye disease that can lead to blindness.

She warned that diabetes is no respecter of
persons, which all must consider, as a matter of
urgency, since it affects every individual
irrespective of their background.

According to her, “The fact that diabetes
affects more than three million Ghanaian means it
must be taken as a national emergency and given
all the needed attention.”

The president of NDA urged the Ministry of Health
(MoH) to intensify it education on diabetes and
also introduce keep-fit clubs in schools to
encourage regular exercise to fight it since
children are now most affected.

Minister of Health Alex Segbefia, giving his
keynote speech, expressed worry that younger
people and adolescent are now being diagnosed with
diabetes.

According to him, 70 percent diabetes cases are
only detected after the death of the person.

The minister further promised to strengthen
vigilance in collaboration with the Food and Drug
Authority (FDA) to monitor the importation of fake
drugs into the market, assuring them of
considering the concern of Sin Tax (that is taxes
on fizzy drinks, sweets, cigarettes and alcohol
which increases diabetes in the country).

He advised Ghanaians to adopt a healthy approach
to fighting diabetes by engaging in regular
exercise, check sugar level regularly, live a
healthy lifestyle and go for regular check-ups at
health facilities.

Source - Daily Trust

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