By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNAÂ
Tema, Nov. 14, GNA – Medical specialists have cautioned against misconceptions that eating sugar alone causes diabetes, explaining that the condition is influenced by several risk factors, including family history, excess body weight and physical inactivity. Â
They said although excessive sugar consumption could contribute to unhealthy dietary patterns, diabetes was not caused simply by adding sugar to tea or choosing between white sugar, brown sugar and honey.
Dr Emmanuel Mintah-Benyin, a Public Health Physician Specialist at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Clinic in Tema, said the different forms of sugar were all sugars and advised the public to moderate their intake.
Dr Mintah-Benyin stated that healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight management and avoiding tobacco were important measures in reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
He was speaking during a media engagement ahead of World Diabetes Day, which is observed on November 14.
He recommended a balanced meal consisting of half vegetables, one-quarter protein and one-quarter carbohydrates.
Dr Harriet Dufie Morgan, a Member of the Endocrine Society of Ghana and an Endocrinology Fellow in Training, said people did not necessarily have to abandon traditional Ghanaian meals to maintain a healthy diet.
Dr Morgan explained that the quantity of food consumed and the balance of ingredients were important, advising people to reduce excessive carbohydrate portions and increase their intake of vegetables and protein.
She suggested that traditional foods could be prepared with vegetables such as kontomire, ayoyo and agushi to improve dietary balance.
Dr Morgan also encouraged people to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, five times a week, saying those who found it difficult could divide the activity into shorter sessions.
She reiterated that physical inactivity, obesity and diets lacking adequate vegetables are factors that could increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
The specialists also cautioned against smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, while emphasising the importance of adequate sleep and stress management.
They said lifestyle modifications could help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, although Type 1 diabetes was an autoimmune condition that could not be prevented through lifestyle changes.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Writer: Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Email: [email protected]