By Grace Zigah
A senior public health physician specialist at the 37 Military Hospital, Dr. Ewura Adjoa Animah Ninoo,Dr. Ewura Adjoa Animah Ninoo,7 has sounded a strong warning over the alarming rise in diabetes cases across Ghana, describing it as a “silent epidemic” threatening the nation’s public health system.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Dr. Ninoo revealed that the prevalence rate of diabetes in Ghana now stands between 7 to 8 percent, with the figure steadily increasing due to poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity—conditions that have become common among both the young and old.
She explained that diabetes, a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD), occurs when the body either fails to produce insulin—the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar—or cannot use it effectively.
“Basically, diabetes means having too much sugar in the blood,” Dr. Ninoo stated. “The insulin that should help move that sugar into the cells is either not produced or not working effectively, leaving the body starved of energy even though there is excess sugar.”
Dr. Ninoo outlined the two main forms of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes, which she said is primarily genetic and mostly affects children and young adults.
Type 2 diabetes, which is more prevalent among adults, particularly those in their 30s and 40s, and is linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity.
According to the physician, while diabetes has no known cure, it can be effectively managed with regular medication, a balanced diet, physical activity, and consistent medical checkups.
She cautioned that failure to adhere to treatment could lead to severe complications, including kidney failure, liver damage, nerve problems, and limb amputations.
“Diabetes never goes away; it’s a chronic disease,” she emphasized. “You have to keep taking your medication and go for regular checkups. When people stop taking their drugs, they risk life-threatening complications.”
She further explained that treatment approaches depend on the type of diabetes:
Patients with Type 1 diabetes rely on insulin injections, as their bodies cannot produce insulin.
Those with Type 2 diabetes are usually treated with oral medication but may also require insulin therapy in advanced cases.
Beyond medication, Dr. Ninoo underscored the importance of family and social support in managing diabetes, noting that emotional and psychological encouragement plays a vital role in helping patients maintain treatment consistency.
“Taking medicine every day can be exhausting,” she noted. “That’s why family support is crucial to keep patients motivated and compliant with their treatment.”
The physician also appealed to Ghanaians to adopt preventive lifestyles, including routine blood sugar checks, healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and avoidance of self-medication.
She noted that diabetes care services are available at both public and private hospitals nationwide, emphasizing that early detection can save lives.
