Akwatia, Aug. 20, GNA - The St. Dominic's Hospital at Akwatia recorded 22 diabetes related deaths in 2004 and admitted 218 diabetes mellitus patients with 1,972 attending its out-patient's department (OPD).

The figure in 2005 indicated OPD attendance was 2,439, with 151 going on admission and 15 dying. Between January and June, this year, however, 1,264 cases attended the OPD, 74 were admitted and five died. In 2003, the situation was 2,552 cases at OPD, 215 admissions and 25 deaths.

These figures were announced at the launching of the 2006 Diabetes Awareness month at Akwatia by the Ghana Diabetes Association on Friday A message from the St. Dominic's Hospital said since diabetes could maim people, the hospital had set aside every Wednesday as Diabetes mellitus clinic day

On such days, patients are educated on how to recognize the dangers signs and symptoms of the disease and the complications associated with untreated diabetes.

These include sight problems, kidney damage, heart attacks, strokes, nerve damage with loss of sensation or pain over parts of the body. The message said amputation of limbs was due to interruption of the blood supply to the part, while the disease could also result in impotence, frequent infection, skin sores and ulcers. It said it was important for people to know that by maintaining the blood sugar level as close to normal as possible, one could prevent those complications. It gave the assurance that the hospital would continue to take care of diabetes patients, to support and give them continuous education.