Meeting the Needs of Diabetic Patients: An Examination of Type 2 Diabetes Treatments in Ghana

Authors

Ashley Valdivieso, Brigham Young University
Dr. Melinda Ostraff, Brigham Young University

Keywords

diabetic patients, type 2 diabetes, Ghana

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Diabetes is an escalating health risk in Ghana, and it is estimated that approximately 22% of Ghanaians who develop the disease will die of it.1 While government programs intended to provide treatment for diabetes patients have focused on traditional western medicine, Dr. Kwabena Beecham, President of the Ghana Diabetes Association reports that “over 50% of people with diabetes do not experience full health and quality of life despite the availability of medicine.” 3 Studies have also shown that some diabetics have chosen not to treat the disease at all.4 This apparent failure to meet the needs of diabetes patients indicates that more attention to other therapeutic options, particularly herbal medications, is justified.

Recommended Citation

Valdivieso, Ashley and Ostraff, Dr. Melinda (2013) "Meeting the Needs of Diabetic Patients: An Examination of Type 2 Diabetes Treatments in Ghana," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1052.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1052