The Head of the Department of Medicine at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Dr Cecilia Kootin-Sanwu, has called for urgent lifestyle changes and early screening to curb the rising cases of diabetes and hypertension in Ghana.

Dr. Kootin-Sanwu, an Endocrinologist and Senior Physician Specialist, described Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes as ‘silent killers’ that can go unnoticed for years until complications set in.

She explained that while there are different types of diabetes, about 90 per cent of cases seen are Type 2. Type 1 diabetes, she said, mostly occurs in children but can also occur in adults.

“Type 1 and 2 at times start in a very subtle way, and so it can go for years without giving you many symptoms, and by the time the patient goes to the hospital, he or she might have already developed some complications,” she said.

According to her, patients may urinate more frequently, drink a lot of water, and experience blurred vision, signs many, especially men, dismiss as ageing until vital organs are affected.

She noted that other warning signs include wounds that take long to heal and recurring candidiasis (white) in women, which should prompt immediate medical attention.

On hypertension, Dr Kootin-Sanwu said it is difficult to detect without measuring blood pressure because it often presents no symptoms, but occasionally headaches and blurred vision.

“Without knowing the numbers, you may not know whether something is happening. The typical Ghanaian is not the type that will just go for a checkup when well. We wait for something very serious,” she noted. 

She further added that “for many, the first sign may be a stroke or heart attack, which can kill immediately, but that person might have had high blood pressure for a long time.”

Linking Ghanaian diets to the rising trend, she said staples like fufu, banku, and rice among others contain heavy carbohydrates consumed in large portions.

“When you have eaten all these things, your body breaks them down into sugar. It goes into the blood and becomes fuel. The body produces insulin to send the glucose to the cells. When you expose yourself to such high carbohydrate at once, the pancreas overworks, gets tired, and is not able to produce enough insulin. The sugar in the blood goes up and gradually starts destroying organs,” she explained.

“So we need to cut down on the amount of fat we like to see on our foods. Soups with a lot of oil on top, we do our Kontomire stew, we put a lot of oil on top. All these are excess energies that the body doesn’t need,” she cautioned.

Dr Kootin-Sanwu advised Ghanaians to incorporate more local vegetables such as garden eggs and okro, among others to reduce carbohydrates and fats, as well as engage in 30 minutes of walking daily or at least five times a week to reduce diabetes risk.

For hypertension, she urged people to cut down on salt and high-sodium spices.

She also stressed the importance of rest, noting that stress raises cortisol levels, which increases blood sugar, while lack of sleep keeps blood pressure high.

“Six to eight hours of sleep in adults affects blood sugar and pressure a lot,” she said.

The medical specialist further noted that the old perception that diabetes and hypertension are diseases of the elderly has changed. While these conditions were previously common in people aged 50 and above, stroke cases are now being recorded in people as young as 30, 35 and 40.

She also disclosed that even children are now being diagnosed with adult-type diabetes, which was not the case in the past due to sedentary lifestyle and ultra-processed foods among other causes.

“They are consuming ultra-processed foods and drinks, and on top of that, they live sedentary lifestyles. They sit in air-conditioned cars, stay indoors behind gadgets, and get little to no physical activity. Unfortunately, in an attempt to give their children a good life, parents end up contributing to obesity,” she disclosed.

Dr Kootin-Sanwu further called on policymakers to prioritse prevention by strengthening primary healthcare to include routine screening covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme, arguing that early detection was cheaper than treatment.

She also called for sustained public education through the media to enlighten Ghanaians on the prevalence and dangers of diabetes and hypertension as well as prevention.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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Sixteen students comprising six ladies and 10 men have graduated from the Devato Computer Services and Training Centre at Ashaiman in Accra with a call on them to be competent, honest, innovative and resilient.

The graduates offered Certificate programmes in Office Productivity, Hardware, Networking, Graphic Design, Software Development and other disciplines.

The second graduation ceremony was on the theme, “Equipping Skills for the Digital Economy.”

In his address, the chairman for the occasion, Evangelist Samuel Nyamavor, Chief Executive Director (CEO) of La Ken Technologies Limited advised the graduates to use their skills to start something as the digital economy rewards creators.

“Don’t wait for employment alone. Use your skills to start something, help a shop go online, design for a business, repair systems and train others,” he admonished the graduates.

“Today, you are graduates. You are no longer computer users, you are IT professionals,” he emphasised.  

Evg.  Nyamavor acknowledged the facilitator for giving these skills to the graduates and described Devato as a centre “to bridge the digital gap in our community and to empower the youth with relevant, employable skills.”

Sharing few thoughts with the graduates, Mrs Georgina Naa Maku Quaittoo, Editor of The Spectator, advised the graduates to surround themselves with positive influences, ambitious peers, and supportive mentors who will elevate your thinking.

“As you step out into the technology industry keep these realities in mind. Remember that the skill you have acquired is a foundation, not a finish line. In the world of technology, what you know today will change tomorrow. The most valuable skill you possess is your ability to learn, adapt, and master new concepts quickly,” she said.

She encouraged them to seek guidance from trusted mentors, family, or professional resources which is a sign of courage and strength, not weakness. 

Mrs Quaittoo also urged them not to be in a hurry to make quick money but take one step at a time.

“Do not imitate others blindly. The fingers are not the same so be content with what you have, work hard, be patient and with resilience you can achieve greatness in life,” she added.

In an address from the College Director, Reverend Anthony Fynn lauded the resilience of the graduates despite their challenges and encouraged them to maintain high character, value important life lessons and use their education responsibly.

“Your education is a powerful tool, but its true value lies in how you choose to use it. Use it to build, to uplift and to innovate. Be the leaders who lead with character and empathy. Remember that success is not merely measured by the titles you hold or the salaries you earn, but by the positive impact you make on the lives of others,” he advised.    

Since its inception in 2008, the Centre has trained many students in the field of Information Technology.

The Centre currently runs certificate and West African Examination Centre (WAEC) accredited courses like Diploma in Information Technology, Business Administration and Diploma in Office Management, Computer Hardware Networking, Graphic Designing and the newly introduced programmes like photography, videography and retouching, video editing, website and app development, and essential IT skills for office workers.

The graduates were presented with certificates on their successful completion of their individual courses.

By Spectator Reporter

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