The world is grappling with a staggering diabetes epidemic, with 425 million people currently living with the condition, projected to increase significantly in the near future.
According to Madam Elizabeth Denyoh, President of IDF Africa and National Diabetes Association Ghana, diabetes claimed 4.9 million lives, making it the 8th leading cause of death globally.
At the launch of 2024 diabetes day, Madam Elizabeth Denyoh, stated emphatically that Diabetes mellitus occurs throughout the world, but is more common especially type 2 in more developed countries.
According to her, the African continent counts approximately 13.6 million people with diabetes. The Region of IDF , which mainly include Sub-Saharan Africa, counts approximately 7 million people with diabetes. Estimates for the region for 2025 are likely to double and reach 15 million.
According IDF, Nigeria has the highest number of people with diabetes with approximately 1.218,000 people affected, Uganda has the highest diabetes prevalence in the African Region 13.1%
To combat the growing diabetes crisis, a multi-faceted approach is crucial. Preventive Measures are essential, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, and reducing risk factors like physical inactivity and unhealthy diets.
The early diagnosis is also vital, enabling timely interventions and reducing complications. This can be achieved through regular check-ups, screenings, and monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Source: Report by Bernard K Dadzie; Greater Accra Region
