Saint Lucia observed World Diabetes Day on Wednesday against the backdrop of estimates by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) that 11.8% of Saint Lucians live with the condition.
In addition, based on the 2020 Saint Lucia STEPS Survey, 15.9% of adults in Saint Lucia have increased blood sugar levels.
Nevertheless the Senior Medical Officer of Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs Dr. Shana Cyr – Philbert notes that living with diabetes is no barrier to living a full life.
“With proper education, healthy lifestyle practices, regular monitoring, and appropriate medication, diabetes can be managed effectively,” she said in a message to mark World Diabetes Day.
The Senior Medical Officer declared that education plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to take control of their health.
Cyr-Philbert explained that by understanding which foods help regulate blood sugar levels, identifying acceptable readings, and learning how to monitor their condition, those living with diabetes can improve their well-being.
Simple lifestyle changes, such as staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, prioritising mental health, and maintaining a healthy weight, can greatly improve the lives of individuals with diabetes. These habits not only aid in managing the disease but contribute to overall well-being.
Globally, Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form, accounting for approximately 90% of all cases. However, the condition can often be managed or even prevented through healthy lifestyle choices.
Free diabetes screening is available at all Wellness Centers across the country. Additionally, under the Performance-Based Financing (PBF) pilot program at 17 participating centers, diabetic clients can access laboratory tests at no cost.
This year, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs is collaborating with multiple stakeholders to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of diabetes in Saint Lucia.
Activities and initiatives aim to highlight the importance of well-being for people living with the condition.
Diets high in carbohydrates are the main cause of diabetes. Go to any restaurant in St. Lucia and buy a meal. Then measure the amount of carbohydrates in the meal. Go to the average household and measure the carbohydrates in any meal. All the overweight medical professionals not setting the correct image either. See the problem?
Ever see the lines at KFC by the church? Sometimes the traffic at the drive thru at Choc spills onto the highway. People need to stop putting rubbish in their bodies. Stop giving Peep excuse to add more to that that 2.5% Health Levy he put on us. Eating out is expensive too. Learn to cook with clean ingredients. Eat less and fast. We are spending our own money to poison ourselves with the garbage we eat. Stop following the Americans and their diets.
The sickcare industry is not your friend. A cured/healthy person is a lost customer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmYBURYu-iY