By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Tema, Nov. 12, GNA – Medical specialists have urged people living with diabetes to adhere to prescribed treatment and undergo regular medical assessments to reduce the risk of complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and feet.
They said diabetes could be managed effectively, enabling patients to live long and productive lives when they followed medical advice and maintained appropriate health routines.
The specialists made the call at a media engagement organised by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) ahead of World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14 to raise awareness about the condition and promote prevention, early diagnosis, and access to care.
Dr Harriet Dufie Morgan, a Member of the Endocrine Society of Ghana and an Endocrinology Fellow in Training, said regular blood glucose monitoring was essential in assessing how well a patient’s condition was being controlled.
She recommended periodic testing of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), which provides an indication of average blood glucose levels over a period and helps guide treatment decisions.
Dr Morgan said people living with diabetes should also undergo regular eye examinations, kidney function assessments, and foot checks to facilitate the early detection of complications.
She explained that persistently high blood glucose levels could damage nerves and blood vessels, making it difficult for some patients to detect injuries and for wounds to heal properly.
Dr Morgan advised patients to take their medication as prescribed and cautioned against replacing conventional treatment with unverified herbal preparations.
According to her, some unregulated products could contain pharmaceutical substances without proper dosage information, potentially exposing patients to serious health risks.
Dr Emmanuel Mintah-Benyin, Public Health Physician Specialist at the GPHA Clinic in Tema, said regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and avoidance of tobacco use were important components of diabetes management.
He recommended at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week and encouraged the adoption of healthier eating habits.
The specialists further advised patients to discuss medication-related concerns with their healthcare providers rather than discontinue treatment on their own.
They noted that consistent medical follow-up and lifestyle modifications could help reduce complications and improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes.
The experts also urged Ghanaians to prioritise regular blood glucose screening, warning that diabetes could develop without obvious symptoms until serious complications emerged.
They said early detection could help identify people with elevated blood glucose levels or pre-diabetes, allowing timely intervention to prevent or delay the onset of the disease.
The specialists stressed that diabetes could remain undetected for a considerable period, with some individuals discovering their condition only after developing complications.
They added that blood glucose screening should not be limited to older adults, as younger people could also develop the condition.
The experts recommended that healthcare facilities incorporate blood glucose screening into routine patient assessments to minimise missed opportunities for early detection.
They encouraged the public to seek screening services at health facilities and pharmacies instead of waiting until symptoms appeared.
The specialists further noted that pregnant women should undergo screening between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, as gestational diabetes might not present obvious symptoms.
They explained that a family history of diabetes, increasing age, excess body weight, and physical inactivity were among the factors that increased the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
People with a family history of the condition were advised to maintain healthy lifestyles and undergo appropriate medical examinations.
The specialists emphasised that early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and regular monitoring could help people living with diabetes maintain good health and reduce the risk of complications.
GNA
Edited by Christopher Arko/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor NunooÂ
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