World Diabetes Day 2026: Ghana Must Act Early Before Diabetes Steals More Lives

Country Project Coordinator for the Longitudinal Study on Non-communicable Diseases in Ghana, India and Nepal

As the world marks World Diabetes Day on November 14 under the theme “Early Action on Diabetes,” it calls for detecting diabetes early, reducing the risk of developing the condition, and ensuring timely treatment to save lives. For Ghana, the message should go beyond awareness to a renewed commitment to accessible and affordable diabetes care.

Diabetes is increasingly becoming a health concern that can no longer be ignored. Across the world, millions of people are living with the condition, with more than 40 per cent of people living with diabetes worldwide unaware that they have the condition. This means that millions may be missing the opportunity to receive treatment and support before serious complications develop [1].

For some, the first indication that something is wrong may come when they begin experiencing serious health complications. By then, what could have been detected and managed earlier may have become a much more difficult and costly health problem.

Ghana is not insulated from the growing global burden of diabetes. The 2025 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas estimates that approximately 317,400 adults aged 20 to 79 years were living with diabetes in Ghana in 2024. More concerning, an estimated 78.7 per cent of adults with diabetes in the country were undiagnosed [2].

This figure presents a major public health concern. It suggests that a substantial proportion of people living with diabetes in Ghana may not know their health status and, consequently, may not be receiving the care they need.

The consequences of delayed diagnosis can be devastating. When diabetes remains poorly controlled over time, it can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. It may also increase the risk of stroke, lead to vision loss, and contribute to wounds that are difficult to heal. In severe cases, diabetes-related complications can result in disability or premature death.

Beyond the physical consequences, diabetes can place considerable financial pressure on individuals and families. The costs of regular consultations, medicines, laboratory tests, and managing complications can be substantial. For people whose livelihoods depend on daily earnings, prolonged illness may also mean reduced income and greater economic hardship.

The burden, therefore, extends beyond the individual. It affects households, communities and the health system.

Early detection must become a priority

One of the most important messages of World Diabetes Day is that early detection can make a meaningful difference. Identifying diabetes before serious complications develop provides an opportunity to begin treatment, make appropriate lifestyle changes, and reduce the likelihood of further health problems.

Ghanaians should be encouraged to take their health checks seriously. Blood sugar testing should not be reserved only for people who are already ill or experiencing symptoms. Adults, particularly those with a family history of diabetes, those who are overweight, physically inactive people, and those with other health conditions, should discuss their risk and the need for testing with a qualified health professional.

At the same time, the responsibility should not be placed entirely on individuals. Public health authorities and healthcare providers must make diabetes screening more accessible, especially in communities where access to healthcare is limited.

Thankfully, we now have the free primary health care policy, which can be leveraged as a platform to facilitate screening opportunities and health promotion activities for millions of Ghanaians.

Although not all forms of diabetes can be prevented, many cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed. This requires practical changes in daily life. Eating a balanced diet, reducing the consumption of sugary drinks, limiting excessive intake of highly processed foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

For many Ghanaians, this does not necessarily mean abandoning traditional foods. Rather, it involves paying attention to portion sizes, eating a variety of foods, increasing the intake of vegetables and making healthier choices where possible.

Physical activity should also become a routine part of daily life. Walking, cycling, dancing, household activities, and other forms of movement can contribute to better health. This also means that the government, through its local government ministry, must ensure that we have safe outdoor spaces for physical activities, including cycling, jogging, and walking. Essentially, diabetes prevention must involve more than telling people to eat well and exercise. It must create environments in which healthy choices are affordable, practical and accessible.

Living with diabetes should not mean living with stigma

Another important aspect of this year's campaign is the need to reduce stigma associated with diabetes. People living with diabetes are sometimes blamed for their condition or made to feel that they have brought the illness upon themselves. Such attitudes can discourage individuals from seeking medical care, sharing their experiences, or adhering to treatment.

This must change.

People living with diabetes deserve understanding, respect and support. Families should encourage rather than shame their relatives. Similarly, healthcare workers should provide care without judgement, while communities must promote accurate information and challenge misconceptions.

For people already diagnosed with diabetes, regular medical reviews, adherence to prescribed treatment, and appropriate lifestyle changes remain important. They should not discontinue prescribed medicines or replace them with unproven remedies without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

As the country marks World Diabetes Day, we must not wait until diabetes begins to affect our lives before we take action.

Support people living with diabetes and make healthy choices wherever possible.

References

1. World Health Organization. (2026). : Early action on diabetes. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-diabetes-day/2026 [who.int]
2. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 11th edn. Brussels, Belgium: 2025. Available at: https://diabetesatlas.org