Professor Mbanya’s research mainly focused on cultural diabetes-related factors, which are often unique to the African countries and communities he studies. His practice and research have largely contributed to increase the world’s awareness on diabetes in Africa, a continent where non-contagious diseases such as diabetes are too often overlooked. Cameroon has now become an important centre of research, acclaimed by the medical community.

Professor Mbanya has been actively involved with IDF for many years, notably as Chair of the IDF African Region (1994-2000), Vice-President of IDF (2000-2006), member of the Board of Management and Executive Board (1994-present) and Chair of the IDF Task Force on Insulin, Test Strips and Other Diabetes Supplies (1997-2006). Prof Mbanya also serves on several WHO advisory groups: the WHO African Advisory Committee on Health Research and Development, the WHO Expert Advisory Panel on Chronic Degenerative Diseases Diabetes, and the WHO Committee on Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes.

Professor Mbanya has served on the editorial boards of Diabetes Voice, Practical Diabetes International, International Diabetes Digest and British Medical Journal. He is currently co-editor of Diabetes in Africa.
His commitment and efforts have led the American Diabetes Association to choose him as the 2004 recipient of the Harold Rifkin Award for Distinguished International Service in the Cause of Diabetes.