Undiagnosed diabetes has emerged as a pressing public health issue in Ghana, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive research to assess the prevalence of this chronic condition. As diabetes continues to be a global health concern, its implications for morbidity and mortality are particularly alarming, largely due to the escalating burden during an era characterized by infectious diseases such as COVID-19, HIV, and tuberculosis. Research spearheaded by a team led by Dr. Thomas Hormenu from the University of Cape Coast aims to address this issue by investigating the prevalence and risk factors associated with undiagnosed diabetes among specific communities in Ghana. The complex interplay of demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and behavioral aspects is critical for understanding the disease’s etiology and facilitating early intervention measures.
The study, titled “Risk factors for Undiagnosed Diabetes in Ghana,” delves into the various factors contributing to undiagnosed diabetes. Using a Generalised Structural Equation Model (GSEM), the research combined multiple community-based designs, including a cross-sectional scheme and a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) to capture a sample of 1,200 healthy individuals aged 25-70 in the Cape Coast Metropolis. This methodology was deemed essential as it effectively highlighted the attributes of undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes among the population. While previous studies have made headway in understanding diabetes in Ghana, this research stands out for its innovative approach that could inform public health strategies aimed at prevention.
Key findings from the study indicate an overall prevalence of diabetes at 8.8% and prediabetes at 14.5% among the surveyed participants. Notably, diagnosed instances of diabetes were lower among men compared to women, with urban areas exhibiting the lowest prevalence rates. The study uncovered direct predictors of diabetes, including body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TG), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Additionally, sociodemographic factors such as family history, age, and socioeconomic status indirectly influenced diabetes status, accentuating the multifaceted nature of the disease.
The alarming statistic revealed by the International Diabetes Federation in 2019 shows that approximately three million Ghanaians have diabetes, with around 60% unaware of their condition. This suggests that a significant segment of the population, particularly in rural areas, and among women, is at risk of developing diabetes without timely diagnosis and intervention. The study emphasizes the urgent need for community-level screening initiatives and the implementation of healthier dietary practices to combat rising obesity rates, which contribute to insulin resistance and subsequent diabetes development.
To navigate this public health crisis, the study advocates for a strategic approach dubbed “Delay, Prevent and Improve,” which aims to mitigate diabetes through healthier lifestyle choices and proactive screening measures. Initial interventions focusing on nutrition education and promoting physical activity through technology have yielded promising results, including a notable 71% remission rate among participants. Such positive outcomes underline the potential for scalable health interventions within communities, emphasizing the importance of multifactorial strategies in addressing the diabetes burden.
Despite some limitations, such as the reliance on cross-sectional data that establishes associations rather than causative relationships, the researchers believe that their findings lay a crucial groundwork for future policy initiatives. They advocate for financial support and collaboration from government health agencies and international organizations to further validate their results and translate their findings into practical interventions. The implications of this comprehensive research extend beyond Ghana and may contribute to a broader understanding of diabetes management and prevention in other regions with similar challenges.
