Accra: More education and sensitisation on the management of diabetes must be carried out to reassure patients, particularly those who might face amputation, an advocate has stated. Mr. Camillus Maalneriba Tia Sakzeesi, a diabetic patient, emphasized the importance of education, as some patients become anxious and refuse amputation due to fear of the unknown and concerns about coping with the condition.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Sakzeesi, who experienced the loss of his right leg due to diabetes, encouraged fellow patients to not view their situation as the end of their lives. Instead, he advised them to mentally prepare and strive to make the most of their circumstances. Sharing his personal experience, he noted that the challenge lies not in the amputation itself but in managing life thereafter, which can significantly impact affected individuals.

Initially shocked by the need for amputation, Mr. Sakzeesi recounted his initial alarm and worry upon diagnosis, describing how he resorted to extensive reading on the condition to prepare himself for the future. He stated, "My amputation did not change much in my life," highlighting the psychological distress many patients face due to fears of abandonment by friends and family.

Mr. Sakzeesi urged families and friends to offer necessary support to amputation patients and called on healthcare professionals to provide thorough counselling before and after the procedure to help patients adjust to their new circumstances. He expressed gratitude to his own family and friends, crediting their support for his ability to lead a normal life post-amputation.

Additionally, Mr. Sakzeesi, a member of the Ghana China Friendship Association, praised a Chinese lawyer who facilitated his access to care and amputation. He also acknowledged the association's role in securing a prosthetic leg for him, which has greatly aided his mobility.