Ghana Health Service Urges Ghanaians to Stay Physically Active to Prevent Diabetes

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has urged Ghanaians to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines to improve blood glucose control and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. According to the GHS, regular exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively, thereby improving blood sugar regulation and contributing to better overall health. This call is part of the Service's 30-day diabetes awareness campaign ahead of World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14.

The GHS encourages people to engage in simple physical activities such as walking, dancing, cycling, and gardening. It notes that staying physically active does not require expensive gym memberships, as everyday activities, including household chores, can contribute to maintaining an active lifestyle. The Service advises adults to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, stressing the importance of starting with manageable activities and gradually building consistency.

The awareness campaign, undertaken ahead of World Diabetes Day, aims to promote healthy lifestyle choices and encourage early action to prevent and manage diabetes. This year's World Diabetes Day is observed under the theme "early action on diabetes," with November 14 set aside to raise awareness of the condition and the importance of prevention, early detection, and proper management.

The GHS further encourages people living with diabetes to combine regular physical activity with prescribed treatment and a healthy diet to help manage the condition. By making physical activity a part of daily life, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and improve their overall well-being.

The Ghana Health Service's call to action is timely, given the rising threat of diabetes in Ghana. With the country's growing population and changing lifestyles, the risk of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases is increasing. The GHS's efforts to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices are crucial in preventing and managing diabetes.

World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, is a global awareness campaign led by the International Diabetes Federation. The day aims to raise awareness of diabetes and promote action to tackle the global diabetes epidemic. In Ghana, the day is marked with various activities, including public lectures, health screenings, and advocacy campaigns.

The Ghana Health Service's 30-day diabetes awareness campaign will feature various activities, including public lectures, health screenings, and advocacy campaigns. The campaign aims to educate Ghanaians about the importance of prevention, early detection, and proper management of diabetes. By working together, Ghanaians can reduce the risk of diabetes and improve their overall health and well-being.

Key points

• The Ghana Health Service urges Ghanaians to engage in regular physical activity to prevent diabetes.
• The awareness campaign aims to promote healthy lifestyle choices and encourage early action to prevent and manage diabetes.
• This year's World Diabetes Day is observed under the theme "early action on diabetes".