University of Ghana Refutes Viral Claim About Cassava as Cure for Type 2 Diabetes

In a striking example of medical misinformation gone viral, the University of Ghana Medical School has categorically denied claims that its researchers developed a diabetes treatment derived from fermented cassava root. The false claims, which spread rapidly across social media in mid-January, have raised concerns about the proliferation of unverified health information online.

A Facebook post by a page called “Science Simplified” alleged that researchers at the University of Ghana Medical School had created a groundbreaking treatment for Type 2 diabetes using a compound called “cassavarin,” supposedly extracted from fermented cassava root. According to the false claims, this treatment reversed diabetes in 71% of patients within six months during clinical trials.

The viral post, which garnered over 8,500 likes and 4,200 shares, made specific claims about the treatment’s efficacy, stating that it “regulates insulin sensitivity and restores pancreatic beta cell function without the need for daily injections or medications.” It further alleged that trial participants saw dramatic improvements, with fasting blood glucose levels dropping from 187 mg/dL to 92 mg/dL on average, and HbA1c levels normalizing to below 5.7%.

The fabricated story added elements that made it appear credible to unsuspecting readers, including claims of pharmaceutical companies filing lawsuits over patent infringement and assertions that Ghana was licensing the production of “cassavarin” to neighboring West African nations. The post also included specific details about trial participants, claiming that “68% of participants completely discontinued insulin within 90 days.”

On January 18, the University of Ghana Medical School issued an unequivocal denial through an official statement on its website. “The University of Ghana Medical School wishes to categorically state that a publication currently circulating on social media claiming that UGMS researchers have developed a cassava-based compound (‘cassavarin’) that reverses Type 2 diabetes is entirely false,” the institution declared.

The university emphasized that it “has not conducted any such study, has not isolated any compound by that name, and has not undertaken clinical trials of the nature described.” It further noted that claims regarding regulatory approvals, pharmaceutical lawsuits, and licensing agreements were completely fabricated.

The false information spread beyond Facebook, appearing on other platforms including Instagram and LinkedIn. A LinkedIn post sharing the misinformation was later deleted, suggesting the poster may have become aware of its false nature.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of health misinformation on social media platforms. Diabetes affects millions across Africa, with the International Diabetes Federation estimating that approximately 24 million adults in Africa were living with diabetes as of 2021, with that number projected to increase dramatically by 2045. False claims about miracle cures can be particularly harmful to vulnerable populations seeking treatments for chronic conditions.

Medical experts consistently warn that spreading unverified claims about treatments for serious conditions like diabetes can lead patients to abandon prescribed medications or delay seeking proper medical care, potentially resulting in serious health complications.

Social media platforms have implemented various measures to combat health misinformation, but viral claims continue to circulate rapidly before fact-checkers can intervene. Health authorities recommend that individuals verify medical information with healthcare professionals and rely on established medical institutions for guidance on managing chronic conditions like diabetes.

The cassava root, while an important staple food across West Africa and used in various traditional preparations, has not been scientifically proven to reverse diabetes in the manner described in the viral post.