15/11/2025
World Diabetes Day was marked yesterday at UGMC with a call on Ghanaians to eat based on the Quarter- Quarter- Half Rule as part of measures to prevent or manage the rising incidence of diabetes and its complications (chronic kidney disease, blurry vision, hypertension, strokes etc.) in the country.
The call was made by Ms. Emelia Gbogr, Principal Nutritionist and Dietitian of the Centre's Dietetics and Food Therapeutic Department.
Ms. Gbogr explained that the Quarter- Quarter- Half Rule simply consisted of eating a quarter portion of protein, a quarter portion of carbohydrates, and a half portion vegetables during each meal time.
According to Ms Gbogr, diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose) with the various types being of Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Prediabetes and Gestational diabetes. She explained that all the forms of diabetes led to excess sugar in the blood which could result in very serious health problems.
She revealed that diabetes cases were rising among the youth in the country and reminded Ghanaians that "If we don't make food our medicine, medicine will become our food."
The second speaker at the event, Mr. Julius Evame Agbagba proposed the reduction of pastries and soda as refreshments during most corporate events in Ghana and suggested the serving of more healthier options like cocoa drinks, iced tea with lemon, unsweetened hibiscus tea, fruit salads, boiled eggs etc.
Mr. Agbagba stated that stress could raise blood sugar levels by triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which could ultimately lead to insulin resistance. He therefore encouraged busy working professionals in the country to rest with a reminder that " If you don't choose a day for your body to rest, your body will choose that day for you - and that will not be pleasant experience.
The event ended with 57 individuals checking their blood sugar, Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure after which they received free glucometers by courtesy of Sinocare Ghana Ltd.
Ministry of Health, Ghana University of Ghana, Legon Radio Univers 105.7FM
