Reducing Risk Factors for Type II Diabetes in Ghana

Study Context

Diabetes is a significant and growing health issue worldwide. In Ghana, where most diabetes cases are undiagnosed, estimates find that 6.46% of Ghanaians are diagnosed with diabetes. The Greater Accra region of Ghana, one of Ghana’s fastest-growing urban areas, also presents greater risk factors for diabetes, including obesity and high blood glucose levels. This study focuses on urban Ghanaian young adults who are being diagnosed with type II diabetes by adapting and assessing the impact of a behavior change intervention (BCI) that encourages dietary modification and increased physical activity to reduce the risk of type II diabetes.

Study Design

The research team will identify sixty students at the University of Ghana who have a fasting blood glucose level of 140 to 199 mg/dL (7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L), some of whom are pre-diabetic. Students will be randomly assigned into any of the three groups (i.e. dietary education group, physical activity group, and dietary education + physical activity group). These participants will serve as their own control. The outcomes measured will include blood glucose level, blood pressure, waist to-hip circumference, and weight. This pilot will inform the design of an RCT, particularly on how to reduce the burden on students’ participation, thereby reducing the attrition rate.

Results and Policy Lessons

Results forthcoming.