The savannah regional health directorate on Monday, 14th November, 2022 marked this year’s world diabetes day celebration with public sensitization on Damongo based community radio station ( Padfm ) and also carried out a screening exercise for health staff at the Damongo health Centre
The regional health promotions officer, Madam Janet Kulah together with two other officers explained the rationale for the day’s celebrations stating that, about
422 million individuals worldwide are living with diabetes as per the World Health Organization’s 2021 report ( WHO, 2021 ) with majority of them living in low and middle-income countries including Ghana where over 203,400 cases of diabetes were recorded.
According to her, a total of 762 cases of diabetes were recorded in the year 2021 and recording 769 cases as at 13th November, 2022 in the savannah region with the West Gonja Municipality recording the highest with 235 cases which she said is alarming and calls for the need to create the awareness of the general public to take preventive measures in the fight against diabetes.
She explained that, Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or when the body can not make good use of the insulin it produces as a result of a group of diseases that are caused by too much sugar in the blood (high blood sugar).
On the types of Diabetes, the NCD Focal Person Mr. Ibrahim Abubakari Sadiq explained that though type 1diabetes may be inherited from the genes of parents, it may not necessary develop into diabetes if one adopt a healthy lifestyle and mentioned that type 2 diabetes is most common and accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases and occurs when the body does not make good use of the insulin produce and mainly related one’s Life style.
He added that, the Type 1 diabetes which is also known as juvenile diabetes which can develop at any age but occurs mostly in children and adolescents and occurs when the body produce very little or no insulin which requires a daily insulin injections to main blood sugar in the body.
He furhter explained that, the type 1 diabetes could be Inherited from genes of parents but may however not develop into type 2 even if the inherited genes is type 1 diabetes and shows the Symptoms when contracted ; Abnormal thirst and dry mouth, Sudden weight loss, Frequent urination, Tiredness, Constant hunger, Blurred vision and Bed wetting.
One is considered to haveType 2 diabetes when his/her body does not use insulin properly when the body produces it but can’t make use of it.
Mr. Ibrahim Abubakari Sadiq disclosed that, abnormal thirst and dry mouth, sudden weight loss, frequent urination, tiredness, constant hunger, blurred vision and bedwetting may be some of the symptoms of diabetes and can be Managed through Lifestyle changes, medications, Daily insulin injection and regular blood glucose monitoring.
Key messages
Early detection saves lives
Eat healthy diet-food rich I fruits and vegetables, reduce sugar and salt intake, reduce fatty and oily foods
Engage in regular physical activity, maintain a normal body weight to prevent type 2 diabetes
Screen for diabetes at least once a year
For persons living with diabetes
Take your medicines regularly
Go for regular medical check-up
Avoid complications of diabetes by eating a healthy diet, undertaking regular physical activity
Talk to your health provider if you have any concerns about diabetes
Source : Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
