Today is World Diabetes Day.
In 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 14 November as World Diabetes Day.
The resolution recognised the urgent need to pursue multilateral efforts to promote and improve human health and provide access to treatment and health-care education.
It also encouraged Member States to develop national policies for the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes, in line with the sustainable development of their health-care systems.
Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower limb amputation.
However, it can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with medication, regular screening and treatment for complications.
A Doctor with the National Diabetes Centre, Korle Bu, Seth Setsoafia says type 2 Diabetes, which is lifestyle related is on the increase because Ghanaians are becoming more urbanised, eating unhealthy food and living sedentary lifestyles.
He said 80 percent of the type 2 Diabetes is preventable.
