Three health service organisations, Top-Up Pharmacy, Mobile Doctors Ghana and the Sakumono Community Hospital, have come together to organise free health screening to mark this year’s World Diabetes Day.
Conducted at its Spintex Branch of Top-Up Pharmacy, the medical staff screened patrons for blood glucose levels, blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure used to determine obesity and overweight, which significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, blood sugar, eye defects, among others.
The exercise, sponsored by a global health care company, Merck, and a high-tech medical device company, Sinocare, was an initiative of the pharmacy company, which formed part of its corporate social responsibility.
Aimed at improving early detection and promoting healthier lifestyles among residents, the medical team included a doctor from Mobile Doctors Ghana, as well as an optometrist and a dietitian from Sakumono Community Hospital, who provided professional advice and counselling to participants.
Over 300 patrons were screened during the exercise.
World Diabetes Day was launched in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in response to the rapid increase in diabetes cases around the world.
The theme of this year’s WHO World Diabetes Day, "Diabetes across life stages,” recognises that every person living with diabetes should have access to integrated care, supportive environments and policies that promote health, dignity and self-management.
Diabetes remains a growing public health concern in Ghana, driven by factors such as urbanisation, lifestyle changes and an ageing population.
Recent data from 2024 indicates a prevalence of around 2.7 per cent among adults, with four million adults being affected, while the numbers are also steadily rising in children.
Intervention
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Pharmacist and Branch Manager of Top-Up Pharmacy, Dr Priscilla Hammond, said the initiative was part of efforts to support community health and create awareness of diabetes, a condition affecting millions of Ghanaians.
She said the screening was designed to be comprehensive.
“Being overweight or obese is one of the main risk factors of Type 2 diabetes.
By providing BMI checks, we would use the occasion to also educate residents on how to manage their weight, which can prevent or reduce the risk of developing diabetes,” she said.
She added that the individuals diagnosed with diabetes during the exercise would receive prescriptions from the on-site health professionals.
In addition, participants would benefit from up to 10 per cent discount on diabetes, weight-loss and eye medications at the pharmacy.
Recommendation
A dietitian at the Sakumono Community Hospital, Emmanuella Saku, highlighted the critical role of nutrition in managing diabetes.
She said many participants had diabetes but had not received proper dietary coaching, which is essential in controlling blood sugar levels.
“Food plays a pivotal role in controlling blood glucose levels.
If a diabetic ignores diet, even medications may not be fully effective,” she said.
Ms Saku added that many people relied on generic advice found online, which may not suit their individual conditions.
“No two people have the same health condition. Personalised dietary recommendations are vital for effective diabetes management.
We encourage everyone to consult a dietitian who can provide a plan tailored to their needs,” she said.
She also advised participants to incorporate balanced meals, regular physical activity and routine medical check-ups as part of a holistic approach to diabetes management.
Ms Saku added that the initiative aimed not only to detect diabetes early, but also to educate the public on the importance of healthy living, proper nutrition and regular medical check-ups.
“We hope that this programme encourages people to take charge of their health and make lifestyle changes that can prevent diabetes or manage it more effectively,” she said.
