For many people, the first signs of diabetes are subtle or even nonexistent. This was the case of Michael Appiah (not his real name), a 75 year old man, who had always considered himself relatively healthy. “I didn’t know anything about diabetes,” he confessed.
“I had heard of it, but it was just something distant, something that happened to other people.” It wasn’t until just before Easter in 2017 that his life took an unexpected turn.
Feeling unwell, he decided to visit the hospital, thinking it might be a routine issue that could be quickly resolved. However, what followed was anything but routine.
After undergoing some scans, he was assigned to a room to recuperate. But soon after, he collapsed, losing consciousness entirely.
“I woke up about two weeks later at the 37 Military Hospital,” he recounted, still vividly remembering the disorientation and fear of that moment. When he finally regained consciousness, the doctors and nurses were surprised at how quickly he had come around, given the severity of his condition. It was then that he learned he had slipped into a diabetic coma due to critically high blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
“I was told that my sugar was way, way over the top, and my pressure too was also over the top,” he explained. “The two of them combined constitute diabetes.”
This marked the beginning of his ongoing battle with the disease, a struggle that has required significant adjustments to every aspect of his life.
In recent years, diabetes has emerged as a significant public health challenge in Ghana, reflecting a global trend of increasing prevalence.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), over 520,000 people in Ghana were living with diabetes as of 2021. Alarmingly, many cases go undiagnosed, leading to severe complications that could have been managed or prevented with early intervention.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 6% of Ghana’s adult population has diabetes, with the prevalence expected to rise in the coming years. The rapid urbanization, dietary changes and sedentary lifestyles that have accompanied Ghana’s economic development are contributing factors to this increase.
The Impact on Daily Life
Living with diabetes has forced Michael Appiah to make drastic changes to his daily routine, particularly in terms of diet and physical activity.
Before his diagnosis, he had enjoyed a typical Ghanaian diet, rich in starchy foods like fufu, kenkey and yam. However, these foods, which are staples in the Ghanaian diet, are high in carbohydrates that can cause blood sugar levels to spike. “Growing up, my staple foods were fufu and kenkey,” he said.
“But now, I’m advised to eat less of these because they are high in carbohydrates.” The challenge of adjusting to a new diet has been immense. “These days, I don’t have kenkey and yam too, I’m not supposed to eat much of it,” he lamented.
“Eating has been very difficult. Now, I’ve eaten so much plantain that I’m fed up with it.” The limited variety of foods that are both culturally familiar and safe for him to eat has made meal planning a daily struggle.
“In Ghana, our variety of food is very limited and if a Fante man should not eat Fante kenkey, then my ability to eat well has been taken away.”
Beyond diet, diabetes has also affected his physical capabilities and overall quality of life. Once an active person who enjoyed exercising, he now finds that his energy levels and mobility are severely compromised.
“Today, for instance, I couldn’t go for walk because my knees are problematic,” he explained. “Anytime I walk, I feel pains and because I’m unable to go to exercise, I feel that the body is not very sound.”
He has learned that maintaining some level of physical activity is crucial for managing his blood sugar and blood pressure levels, but the disease has made this increasingly difficult.
The impact of diabetes has extended to his social life and relationships, particularly with the opposite sex. “Even my relationship with the opposite sex has become a problem,” he admitted candidly. “At 75, I don’t complain much, but it’s not the same as it used to be.”
The psychological and emotional toll of living with a chronic illness like diabetes is often as challenging as the physical symptoms, affecting self-esteem, relationships and overall mental health.
Unfortunately, many Ghanaians are unaware of the risks associated with these lifestyle changes. Like Michael, many only discover they have diabetes when the disease has already caused significant damage.
“I wish I had known more about diabetes earlier,” he reflected. “I think my love for energy drinks and sugary foods contributed to my high sugar levels.”
The lack of awareness and education about diabetes is a major obstacle in the fight against the disease. Many people, particularly in rural areas, do not have access to regular health screenings or the information needed to recognize early symptoms.
As a result, they are often diagnosed only when they present with severe complications, such as kidney failure, heart disease, or in the case of our interviewee, a diabetic coma.
The Economic Burden of Diabetes
The economic burden of diabetes on individuals and the healthcare system in Ghana is substantial.
Managing diabetes requires regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, medication, and frequent visits to healthcare providers. For many Ghanaians, the cost of these necessities is prohibitive, leading to poor disease management and an increased risk of complications.
Michael, who is retired, has found the financial demands of managing diabetes to be a significant strain. “Every morning, I’m supposed to check my sugar level and blood pressure,” he explained.
“The cost of these checks, along with medication, adds up.” This financial burden is compounded by the fact that many people with diabetes are unable to work regularly due to the physical limitations imposed by the disease. This creates a vicious cycle where the inability to afford proper care leads to worsening health, which in turn further limits one’s ability to earn an income.
The Ghanaian healthcare system, already under strain from infectious diseases and other health challenges, is ill-equipped to handle the growing burden of diabetes. There is a dire need for more resources to be allocated towards diabetes education, prevention, and treatment.
This includes training healthcare providers, increasing access to affordable medications and testing supplies, and implementing community-based programs that promote healthy living.
Coping Strategies
Despite the challenges, Michael remains positive and determined to manage his condition. He has developed coping strategies that allow him to live as normal a life as possible, even if it means making significant sacrifices.
“People should avoid sugar, especially white sugar, and eat in moderation,” he advised. “It’s important to listen to your body and make healthy choices.”
He emphasizes the importance of early detection and taking diabetes seriously, even if one does not feel unwell. “Initially, they say it, but you hear it, and you think it’s far away,” he said. “But it’s not. It can happen to anyone, and it’s better to be prepared.”
His story is a powerful reminder that diabetes is not just a disease of the elderly or the overweight; it can affect anyone, regardless of age or background.
His journey also highlights the importance of community support and education in managing chronic diseases.
The Way Forward
The rising prevalence of diabetes in Ghana calls for urgent action. Public health campaigns must focus on increasing awareness about the disease, promoting healthy eating habits, and encouraging regular physical activity. Schools, workplaces, and community centers should be involved in these efforts to reach as many people as possible.
Healthcare providers must also be trained to recognize the early signs of diabetes and to provide patients with the tools and knowledge they need to manage the disease effectively. This includes educating patients on the importance of regular blood sugar monitoring, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.
Finally, the government must invest in healthcare infrastructure and policies that make diabetes care more accessible and affordable. This includes subsidizing the cost of medications and testing supplies, as well as expanding access to healthcare services in rural areas.
Diabetes is a formidable adversary, but it is not unbeatable. With the right approach, those living with the disease can lead fulfilling lives.
However, this requires a collective effort to increase awareness, improve healthcare, and promote healthy living.
