Health professionals and advocates across Ghana are raising concerns over the alarming increase in diabetes cases nationwide, warning that the disease poses a serious threat to public health if urgent preventive measures are not taken.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies diabetes as one of the leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contributing to high mortality rates across Africa.

According to the 2023 National Guidelines for the Management of Diabetes in Ghana, diabetes is currently among the top ten causes of mortality worldwide, with an estimated 4.2 million deaths recorded in 2019 due to diabetes-related complications.

The document further reveals that the prevalence of diabetes in Africa is projected to increase by 143% between 2019 and 2045, rising from 19 million cases in 2019 to 47 million cases by 2045. Ghana’s national diabetes prevalence is estimated at 6.46%.

It adds that approximately 60% of adults aged 20–79 years living with diabetes in the African region are undiagnosed, representing the highest proportion of undiagnosed diabetes across all International Diabetes Federation (IDF) regions.

More recent figures from the IDF show that the disease, particularly Type 2 diabetes, continues to rise globally due to unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, and growing consumption of processed and sugary foods.

The organisation reports that approximately 589 million adults are currently living with diabetes worldwide as of 2024, a number expected to reach 853 million by 2050.

As Ghana joins the world to commemorate World Diabetes Day today (14TH November), Splenda Ghana has taken steps to support awareness and prevention efforts.

The company donated some of its products to the Eastern Regional Hospital and the SDA Hospital, both in Koforidua, as part of its contribution to mark the occasion.

Additionally, Splenda Ghana organised an outreach campaign at the Kaneshie Market in Accra, educating traders and shoppers on healthy living, early detection and management of the disease.

In an interview with Maabena Webb, an IDF advocate with the Blue Circle Voices Network, she described diabetes as a “silent killer” that often develops unnoticed.

“One of the biggest dangers of diabetes is that it can go undetected for years,” she explained. “By the time symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight loss appear, serious organ damage may already have occurred.”

She warned that poorly managed diabetes could lead to life-threatening complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, blindness, and limb amputations.

Mrs Webb, who also serves as the Managing Director of Splenda Ghana, importers of Splenda Zero Calories and Splenda Stevia sweeteners, urged the public to undergo regular health screenings and adopt healthier lifestyles.

“Healthy living begins with small, consistent choices,” she advised.

“Maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, reducing calorie intake, staying physically active, getting adequate rest, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential steps.

"Regular check-ups and monitoring blood sugar levels can help detect early signs and reduce risk. By making these small, sustainable changes, individuals and families can protect themselves against diabetes and live healthier lives,” she stated.

She added that World Diabetes Day serves as a reminder of the importance of diabetes prevention within communities.

“On this World Diabetes Day, let’s commit to spreading awareness and supporting each other in making positive choices for a diabetes-free future,” she said.

On his part, the Head of Administration and Human Resources at Splenda Ghana, Baffuor Ohene-Kena, encouraged the public to take advantage of ongoing awareness campaigns to check their health status and seek professional guidance where necessary.

“Your health is your wealth. Making the right lifestyle choices today can prevent serious complications tomorrow,” he emphasised.

In previous years, Splenda Ghana, through its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, has supported several health facilities in promoting diabetes awareness.

These include St. Joseph’s Hospital in Koforidua, Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in Mampong, and the Community Hospital in Kukurantumi.

In Accra, beneficiaries have included Mamprobi Hospital, Lapaz Community Hospital, Kaneshie Polyclinic, Maamobi General Hospital, and Ashaiman Polyclinic.