Living with diabetes is not a death sentence, nor does it mean living in poor health. This empowering message is underscored by the International Diabetes Federation’s 2024–2026 theme, “Diabetes and Well-being,”— a theme the Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association (SLDHA) spotlighted during a ceremony kicking off Diabetes Awareness Month.
World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14. However, throughout the month, Saint Lucians can expect frequent reminders about the importance of monitoring blood sugar and undergoing other health checks.
This awareness aligns with the SLDHA’s commitment and strategic approach, led by a dedicated executive team whose efforts have not only strengthened key partnerships but also attracted an exciting new patron.
“I have to thank my management, staff, and the executive particularly, who have really worked constantly throughout the year. Quite recently, we were able to make a significant breakthrough, in that we actually secured and got the services of our perhaps, most notable athlete right now… Julien Alfred. Julien has agreed to be the Patron of the SLDHA. That, to us, is major,” said SLDHA Vice President Teddy Theobalds.
A patron is a high-profile, well-known individual who lends their name to a charity or organisation to show support and further build awareness.
Sandy Felix, another representative from the SLDHA, emphasised the importance of raising awareness across the island, noting that diabetes often goes undiagnosed due to individuals not getting screened.
Felix highlighted that the association is also working to spread the message that people with diabetes can live well by prioritising personal health and well-being.
However, this work requires support. “It takes a village… a community… Our resources are minimal, so we call upon donors and sponsors to help us because everything takes finance. When you have long-standing members like Massy Stores… they return year in and year out because they understand the cause,” said Felix.
Massy Stores St Lucia Ltd, a long-time supporter of the SLDHA, is extending its commitment this year with an $8,000 donation to the association.
Kittel Raphael-Dubois, Marketing and Corporate Communications Officer at Massy Stores St. Lucia, shared, “We want to continue that support throughout the month of November… we will have screenings at our stores, we will also have our cash register or blue-box donation drive from November 14-30, a pharmacy special in November with 15% off on all prescriptions, and on the 3rd and last Friday of the month, we will be having our staff coming in to celebrate and bring awareness with their crazy socks for diabetes. We will also be wearing our blues every Friday and… painting Saint Lucia Blue for November.”
The Ministry of Health, another key stakeholder, also contributes to advancing the work of the SLDHA.
Gennie Isaac-Louisy, District Medical Officer within the Health Ministry, highlighted their involvement with health screenings at various sites, noting that people can check their blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Screenings will assess individuals for risks of developing diabetes and hypertension. “We will also be providing health education at those activities,” said Louisy.
With enthusiasm, SLDHA’s Acting Executive Vice President Claudin Mathurin announced additional initiatives scheduled to take place island-wide this month.
These include free screenings at the association’s headquarters throughout November, a call for everyone to wear blue each Friday, informational school visits, island-wide activities with sponsors, and two walks—one in the south of the island on the 21st and another in the north on the 24th, with more details to come.
Meanwhile, District Medical Officer Louisy, highlighted an ongoing initiative led by the Ministry of Health, “Saint Lucia Moves,” which promotes the health benefits of regular physical activity.
This focus on movement, she noted, is particularly beneficial for those managing diabetes. “There is enough research that supports that physical activity—even if it is a small amount regularly—with diabetics, engaging in three minutes of light physical activity every hour actually significantly reduces the risk of developing complications like amputated feet, kidney failure, and other issues that diabetics tend to develop,” Louisy explained.
The SLDHA encourages Saint Lucians to look out for further announcements regarding Diabetes Awareness Month activities throughout November.
Let’s not overload JuJu with too many non sporting activities.