Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Resources Available for Its Management in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract

Gradually, more Ghanaians are becoming diabetic as a result of eating more sugary and fatty foods and exercising less. This study explored the prevalence of Diabetes mellitus and resources available for managing it in the Cape Coast metropolis. University of Cape Coast Hospital (UCC), Central Regional Hospital (CRH), Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital (CCMH), Erwim Health Centre, Adisadel Health Centre, Tantri Clinic and Baiden Ghartey Clinic in Cape Coast Metropolis were purposively selected for the study. Questionnaires were developed and administered to health professionals and diabetics. Results showed that D. mellitus has been increasing since 2005 yet few health professionals, drugs and equipment exist to manage it. There was a dietician and an ophthalmologist at the CRH, a nutritionist at UCC hospital and no neurologist at any of the facilities studied. With the exception of CRH, all the health facilities run diabetes clinics. As usually expected, the hospitals were better equipped and delivered better care, though inadequate for all diabetes patients. Genetics, pregnancy and life style were identified as the major risk factors predisposing people to diabetes. There is a need to provide drugs and equipment and train more health professionals to manage and care for diabetics at all health facilities.