The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PIWAK Natural Health , Dr Prince Nelson Mortoti, has urged Ghanaians to prioritise regular medical check-ups and early diagnosis of diabetes to help prevent complications associated with the disease.
He said early detection remained one of the most effective ways of managing diabetes, stressing that people must not wait until they experience severe symptoms before seeking medical attention.
Dr Mortoti noted that diabetes had become a major public health concern, affecting people across different age groups, and called for increased public education to help individuals understand the risk factors, warning signs and preventive measures associated with the condition.
According to him, many people were living with diabetes without knowing their health status, largely because they failed to undertake routine medical examinations.
He explained that early diagnosis would enable healthcare professionals to identify abnormal blood sugar levels and initiate appropriate treatment and lifestyle interventions before the condition progressed to more serious stages.
Dr Mortoti therefore encouraged individuals, particularly those with a family history of diabetes, overweight persons and people with sedentary lifestyles, to undergo regular blood glucose screening.
He cautioned that persistent thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, excessive hunger, constant tiredness, blurred vision and slow-healing wounds could be warning signs of diabetes that should not be ignored.
The PIWAK CEO further advised the public to adopt healthy lifestyles, including regular physical exercise, balanced diets, reduced consumption of sugary foods and beverages, and maintaining healthy body weight.
He emphasised that excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, highly processed foods and unhealthy dietary habits could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly when combined with physical inactivity and other risk factors.
Dr Mortoti also urged people already diagnosed with the condition to comply with medical advice, monitor their blood sugar levels and attend regular hospital appointments.
He warned against the practice of abandoning prescribed medication or relying exclusively on unverified herbal preparations in the management of diabetes.
He stressed that although lifestyle modifications could significantly improve blood sugar control, people living with diabetes required proper medical assessment and individualised treatment.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
Dr Mortoti called on traditional authorities, religious organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to intensify public education on diabetes, particularly in rural communities where access to routine screening and health information could be limited.
He said community-based screening programmes and health education campaigns would help identify people at risk and encourage them to seek timely medical attention.
He added that diabetes should not be treated as a condition that only affects older people, as younger individuals were increasingly exposed to lifestyle-related risk factors.
The PIWAK CEO maintained that prevention, early diagnosis and proper management remained critical to reducing the burden of diabetes on individuals, families and the country’s healthcare system.
He urged Ghanaians to make regular health screening a priority, noting that knowing one’s blood sugar status was an important step towards protecting long-term health.
He concluded that while diabetes does not currently have a general cure, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help people manage the condition effectively, prevent complications and enjoy healthier, productive lives.
