Accra: In 2020, a seemingly ordinary day during his mother's funeral in northern Ghana changed everything for 62-year-old Maalneriba-Tia. While sitting under a tree, a casual observation by his brother of an unexplained deep cut on his toe marked the beginning of his harrowing medical journey.
According to Ghana News Agency, Maalneriba-Tia, who had no prior pain or warning signs, had to rush down south to see his doctor at the Tema General Hospital. The wound, however, did not heal despite the series of prescribed medications. When the wound worsened and the left foot swelled, further tests revealed a diagnosis: diabetes. From hospital prescriptions to alternative herbal treatments, the fight to save the leg was intense but ultimately unsuccessful. When the condition spread to the right foot, when that of the left improved with herbal medicine, amputation became the only option.
This is not just one person's story; it's a reality faced by many diabetic patients in Ghana and beyond. Could early intervention have prevented this? What solutions exist to stop minor wounds from escalating into amputations?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) described diabetes as a chronic, metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose, which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) revealed that 537 million people have diabetes in the world as of 2022 and are expected to increase to about 55 million by 2045. Ghana is one of the 48 countries of the IDF African region.
One of the most dreaded complications of diabetes is amputation, a consequence of uncontrolled blood sugar levels that lead to nerve damage and poor circulation. Experts explain that when left untreated, minor foot injuries can develop into ulcers and infections, ultimately necessitating amputation. Shockingly, the IDF reports that every 30 seconds, somewhere in the world, a lower limb is lost due to diabetes-related complications.
A study in Poland by Walicka et al. (2021) found that the number of amputations in patients with diabetes increased substantially between the years 2010 and 2019 from 5,049 to 7,759, compared with the number of amputations in patients without diabetes, which was stable. This indicates that the mean percentage of amputations in patients with diabetes accounts for 68.6 percent of all amputations.
Maalneriba-Tia, having lived with the amputation for the past four years, was lucky to have had the Ghana China Friendship Association (GHACHIFA) provide support for him to have a prosthesis after using crutches for two years. Life, however, cannot be the same for him, as walking with an artificial limb requires significant physical and mental adaptation.
Early detection of diabetes is said to help in preserving the limbs of patients from amputations. This, according to Madam Amanda Mawudoku, a podiatrist, can be easily achieved with podiatry, which is the study of the treatment of problems of the feet, ankle, and lower leg. Madam Mawudoku noted that most amputations are preventable by checking your feet daily, visiting your podiatrist, and wearing proper footwear.
Maalneriba-Tia's story is not unique - it reflects a growing crisis in Ghana where diabetes-related amputations are on the rise. Every year, countless Ghanaians lose their limbs due to preventable complications, leaving them physically, emotionally, and financially burdened. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes, Ghana can no longer afford to ignore the urgent need for podiatric care.
The establishment of podiatric clinics across Ghana, alongside government-supported diabetic foot care programmes, public awareness campaigns, and affordable treatment options, is essential to reversing this alarming trend. A national policy must prioritise regular foot screenings, access to podiatric specialists, and preventive care measures to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
Diabetic amputations are not inevitable; they are preventable. Ghana must act now to ensure that fewer people face the trauma, disability, and financial hardship of losing a limb. By prioritising podiatric care, Ghana can take a crucial step towards reducing amputations, preserving mobility, and improving the quality of life for thousands of its citizens. The time for action is now. Podiatric care must become a fundamental part of Ghana's healthcare system-because saving limbs means saving lives.
