The Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Ghana has expressed worry over the rising number of type 2 diabetes cases among children.
According to the President of the Society, Professor Josephine Akpalu, discussions about diabetes often focus on adults, leaving the increasing prevalence among children overlooked.
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She explained that in many cases, diagnosis in children is delayed until complications set in.
“Many times in our society, for children with diabetes, the diagnosis is really made very late. Sometimes, it is only when they come to the hospital with a severe complication, which can even be fatal, that the diagnosis is made,” she said in an interview on Channel One TV, monitored by GhanaWeb on Friday, November 7, 2025.
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Professor Akpalu stressed the need for greater awareness about childhood diabetes, adding that many people still do not associate the condition with children.
“We want to create that awareness of the problem existing in children. It is becoming more of a challenge now for our children because we don’t expect them to have that,” she noted.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes remains a major public health issue, especially in low and middle-income countries like Ghana, where Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for about 45% of all deaths, with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes being major contributors.
The WHO advises that maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activities, keeping a normal body weight, and avoiding tobacco use can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
It further notes that the condition can be managed effectively and its complications prevented or delayed through proper diet, exercise, medication, and regular medical screening.
JKB/AE
