November 14th marks the global commemoration of World Diabetes Day, when particular focus is placed on raising awareness of diabetes, its impacts on an individual’s health and well-being, and the strategies to prevent and manage the disease. 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, which transformed Type 1 diabetes from a deadly diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition
Diabetes is a serious, chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Raised blood sugar is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes (Source: PAHO). Insulin is the hormone which regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.
The main types of diabetes are:
· Type 1 – Body does not produce enough insulin
· Type 2 – Body produces insulin but cannot use it well
· Gestational Diabetes – a temporary condition in pregnancy
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2021-2023, “Access to Diabetes Care: If Not Now, When?”, emphasizes the need for access to continuous care and support, in order to effectively manage and treat diabetes. It is reported that diabetes care is inaccessible to millions of people with the disease worldwide. The theme also raises concern over the unavailability of technologies, medicine and diabetes care to all persons that require them. It is therefore imperative that governments all over the world increase investment in diabetes care and prevention.
The Covid-19 pandemic has further impacted accessibility to medicine and care; due to restrictions on mobility, limited access to hospital/health care and the risk of care providers transmitting the virus. It is reported that persons with underlying conditions such as diabetes, can experience more severe effects, if they contract the Covid-19 virus.
In 2020, the TCI Hospital reported a total number of 1,011 cases of Type 2 diabetes: 385 males and 626 females. These figures do not include persons who seek private care, those with Type 1 diabetes and unreported cases. Almost half of persons with diabetes don’t know they have it.
The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes and it can be prevented. The effects of Type 2 diabetes can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercising, treatment for complications and regular screening.
If you are at risk of Type 2 diabetes, making lifestyle changes can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
Avoiding the use of tobacco and tobacco products and reducing the intake of fats and sugar is very important.
The Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit (HPAU) commenced several initiatives to raise awareness of diabetes. These included visits to private organisations to conduct health screenings. A series of free public health screenings (blood glucose and blood pressure testing) was held on Thursday 11th November in Providenciales, Friday 12th November in Grand Turk and another will be held on Friday 19th November in North Caicos. Social media has been used to actively post information pertaining to diabetes. We would like to thank PAHO for their financial support during World Diabetes Day activities.
The HPAU would like to encourage members of the government to also stay informed and conduct the following assessments to determine your risk and knowledge of diabetes.
