MC shares story of developing diabetes from frequent consumption of sugary drinks at events 

When Janice (not her real name), a 36-year-old event MC, learned of her diabetes diagnosis, it was a shock. She found out during a health screening at her church, unable to believe that her habit of frequently drinking sugary beverages at events had resulted in a life-changing health condition. Her job, hosting weddings, parties, and corporate events, often meant an endless supply of sweetened drinks, a habit she never considered risky. 

“My fridge was filled with them from events where I was the MC,” she shared, emphasising her reliance on these beverages to fuel her energy.

She added, "I believe my habit of eating late at night, especially during events, also contributed to my condition."

Despite experiencing frequent urination, thirst, fatigue and constant hunger, Janice never suspected diabetes until her diagnosis. 

Initially, the news was devastating, but she quickly sought to understand how to live with it. Since then, Janice has overhauled her lifestyle, drastically reducing her sugar intake and avoiding late-night eating.

Her experience has driven her to encourage others to get tested for diabetes, especially given the high number of undiagnosed cases in Ghana.

The precarious diabetes situation in Ghana, Africa

Diabetes is a major health concern in Ghana, affecting about 2.4 million people, with around 7.5 percent of adults suffering from Type 2 diabetes. 

However, many cases go undiagnosed, leading to severe health complications. In response, the Ghanaian government has collaborated with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners to address the crisis. In May 2022, Ghana joined other WHO Member States in setting diabetes targets, aiming to strengthen diabetes management as part of its non-communicable diseases (NCD) programme.

An initiative between WHO, Ghana’s Ministry of Health, and the World Diabetes Foundation has been established to develop an integrated diabetes project for Ghana and Uganda. This collaboration aligns with WHO’s Global Diabetes Compact, which seeks to minimise diabetes's harmful effects by ensuring equitable access to affordable, quality diabetes care.

Diabetes types and global statistics

Diabetes is a chronic disease that results from elevated blood glucose levels, potentially leading to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision loss. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, is often associated with insulin resistance, typically appearing in adults.

In contrast, Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in children, occurs when the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

Globally, diabetes affects approximately 422 million people, with the majority residing in low- and middle-income countries. The disease claims about 1.5 million lives each year, with cases on the rise. 

Of those living with diabetes nearly half are unaware of their diagnosis, exacerbating the healthcare burden.

According to Ms. Angela Esiaba, a public health expert, diabetes places tremendous pressure on healthcare resources, accounting for over 10 percent of global health expenditures among adults. 

She stressed the importance of awareness, advocating for free diabetes testing to improve early diagnosis and management.

She explained that diabetes often develops unnoticed, with many cases detected only when severe complications arise. 

“Excessive urination, intense thirst, and unexplained weight loss are among the few early signs,” Ms Esiaba said, cautioning against lifestyle habits and family history that heighten the risk. 

The Public Health expert highlighted the importance of healthy diets, regular exercise, and also cautioned against intake of alcohol and tobacco particularly among individuals with diabetes.

For Ms Esiaba, the increasing prevalence of diabetes in Ghana is attributed partly to dietary habits, insufficient physical activity, and obesity, along with age, gender, and underlying health conditions. 

Challenges in combating diabetes in Ghana 

Despite efforts, managing diabetes in Ghana remains challenging due to delayed screenings, limited access to syringes and glucometers, and a general lack of public education on diabetes prevention.

Former Ghanaian Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, at a diabetes event urged that diabetes be prioritised within Ghana’s healthcare agenda, emphasising the need for greater public awareness and education. 

“We must prioritise the prevention, care and management of diabetes in Ghana and support efforts to achieve the goals of the Global Diabetes Compact,” stated Mr. Agyeman-Manu, during a WHO and Ministry of Health event spotlighting diabetes. This was contained in a media report, published on April 16, 2023, titled "Ghana on the offensive against diabetes."

WHO Representative to Ghana, Dr. Francis Kasolo, agreed with Mr Agyeman-Manu, noting that government and partner efforts alone won’t suffice without public support. 

Sadly, limited testing facilities, insufficient medical personnel, and widespread unawareness of diabetes contribute to Africa’s high rates of undiagnosed cases, making early detection difficult.

WHO data show that diabetes cases are expected to rise in sub-Saharan Africa, from the current 24 million to 55 million by 2045. 

The African region’s diabetes mortality rate, especially among people under 70, is 58 percent, higher than the global average of 48 percent, with the death rate at 48 per 100,000 people, more than double the global figure.

In Africa, limited insulin access remains a major obstacle, particularly for Type 1 diabetes patients, the most common form among children. 

Between 2011 and 2021, the number of Type 1 diabetes cases in children and teens under 19 in Africa rose fivefold, from four per 1,000 children to nearly 20 per 1,000. 

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, highlighted the lack of diagnosis as one of the region’s most severe challenges. Without testing, she said, diabetes continues to claim lives as a “silent killer.”

“Diabetes cases in Africa serve as a wake-up call to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve diagnosis, ensure medication access, and prioritise diabetes as a major health threat,” Dr. Moeti said, quoted in a 2022 report by The Nation, headlined "Alarm over rising cases of undiagnosed diabetes."

Economic burden and recommendations

In 2021, diabetes treatment accounted for significant healthcare spending, with the average annual direct cost per diabetes patient in sub-Saharan Africa at $547. 

In Ghana alone, it’s estimated that two-thirds of diabetic patients are undiagnosed, which only amplifies the strain on the country’s health system. 

Sharing her views on the issue, Ms. Josephine Oppong-Yeboah, a health and gender advocate, emphasised the necessity of free, accessible diabetes testing, particularly in public facilities, to help individuals detect the disease early.  In her view, free testing could enable more Ghanaians to adjust their lifestyles and manage diabetes effectively. 

Moreover, she highlighted the value of routine checkups for those at high risk, especially young individuals with a family history of diabetes, saying “You might not notice symptoms right away, but elevated blood sugar can gradually cause silent damage to your organs over time."

The way forward 

The Ghanaian government in collaboration with the WHO and other health partners, has intensified efforts to increase diabetes awareness, diagnosis, and treatment. However, without an active role by the general public, these efforts face significant challenges.

Understanding the protocols regarding the management of diabetes through lifestyle changes, regular screenings, and support for affected individuals are therefore critical to dealing with the condition.

For Janice, who now champions diabetes awareness, her message remains clear—understanding one’s health status is the first step toward prevention and effective management. 

Her story illustrates the importance of accessible testing, comprehensive diabetes education, and healthy lifestyle choices for all Ghanaians.

Ultimately, Ghana’s battle against diabetes hinges on a combined effort from the government, healthcare providers, and the public to prioritise prevention, support access to essential diabetes care, and mitigate the economic toll of the disease.

Writer’s email: zadokgyesi@gmail.com