Diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide, is a significant public health challenge in the country.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) describes diabetes as a "silent but ferocious epidemic" that devastates families, communities and economies.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says over 24 million adults aged 20-79 in Africa live with diabetes, and this number is projected to reach 60 million by 2050.
Globally, it is estimated that 589 million people are living with diabetes.
The disease can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves, leading to severe complications, disability and premature death.
The economic burden of diabetes is also significant, straining healthcare systems and eroding hard-won development gains.
World Diabetes Day (WDD), which is commemorated today, is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over one billion in over 160 countries and is marked every year.
The 2025 theme is "Diabetes and Well-being," with a sub-campaign focusing on "Diabetes in the Workplace," to encourage supportive policies and environments.
The broader theme of "Diabetes across life stages" also highlights the importance of a life-course approach to prevention, management and well-being.
It is estimated that 430 million people living with diabetes globally are of working age. In the workplace, they face challenges such as stigma, discrimination, exclusion, anxiety and lack of access to care and support for their well-being.
Many workplaces have become an unhealthy environment for employees due to the lack of physical activity, healthy food choices and support for mental well-being. This is harmful for people at risk of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
Ghana, according to the IFD, is experiencing a surge in diabetes cases, with many people unaware of their condition until severe complications arise. Health experts have described the prevalence of diabetes as alarming while calling for urgent action to address the rising cases.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) estimates that approximately 200,000 new cases are reported each year.
The condition affects both adults and children, leading to increased hospital admissions and premature death, and often disproportionately impacts women and urban populations.
The causes of diabetes are multifaceted. Changing lifestyles, rising obesity rates, and limited access to preventive and primary healthcare services contribute to the growing burden.
The consequences of diabetes are far-reaching, impacting not only individuals but also families and communities.
As Ghana observes World Diabetes Day, the Daily Graphic believes that it is essential to recognise the gravity of the diabetes epidemic and take collective action by adopting a comprehensive approach, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring access to affordable care.
The paper calls for the integration of diabetes care into primary health care, as well as encourages regular exercise, healthy eating, and reduced consumption of unhealthy foods to prevent and manage diabetes.
To combat the growing diabetes epidemic, we join the call by stakeholders for a comprehensive, national, and people-centred approach.
The Daily Graphic urges the government to declare diabetes as a national health priority and establish a fund under the National Diabetes Policy.
There is a need to expand the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to cover all aspects of diabetes care, including a comprehensive, national and people-centred approach, to tackle the rising cases of diabetes in the country.
The fact is, many Ghanaians are unaware of their condition until complications such as blindness, amputation, or kidney failure occur.
The Daily Graphic calls for a holistic view of health care to include physical, mental, nutritional, social and economic well-being, as well as universal access to affordable medicines, stable insulin supply, regular screening and preventive education at all levels.
We further reiterate the call for diabetes care in the NHIS to cover all aspects of treatment so that everyone in the country who needs care for diabetes can access it.
