Vincentians urged to change lifestyles to avoid diabetes

With about 1,450 persons suffering from diabetes in St Vincent and Grenadines (SVG), Vincentians have been urged by Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) country representative to engage in lifestyle changes that can decrease their chances of developing this disease.

The call was made by Annique Wilson, during World Health Day celebrations on Thursday, April 7th, at a ceremony held {{more}}in the Central Market. This year’s celebration focused on tackling the growing issue of diabetes, and was held under the theme ‘Step up – Beat Diabetes”.

“A large proportion of… diabetes cases are preventable. Simple lifestyle changes have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of Type 2 diabetes,” said Wilson.

“It must be emphasized that these changes must be instilled from a young age. Encourage our children and young adults to become more active, avoid sugary drinks – no sugar should be added to baby’s milk and cereal. Habits instilled from a young age are usually reflected and practised,” she added.

Wilson also encouraged persons afflicted with the disease, as well as persons who do not have it, to pay attention to diet through sustaining healthy eating, and to maintain a normal body weight by regularly engaging in physical activities.

She explained that diabetes not only affects one physically, but it is also a financial strain on families and the public health care system.

“In 2014, diabetes-related health spending in the countries of the Americas… amounted to some $382 billion dollars,” Wilson told the crowd.

She explained that it is among the top 10 leading causes of mortality and morbidity, and in many cases, it is prevalent within the populations of low to middle income countries.

“Diabetes continues to be of major health importance, as it contributes to mortality and morbidity… profiles around the world, and has a large economic burden on countries and communities.”

However, she stated that the disease can be controlled and managed to prevent complications.

“Increasing access to diagnosis, self-management, education and affordable treatment are all vital components of the response,” Wilson outlined.

She also noted that all sectors of society have a part to play in the prevention and control of diabetes.

“I call on the local business community to join with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, the Pan American Health Organization, the World Health Organization to start serving locally made juices using less sugar. Also in their foods less oils, less salt… less sugar in cakes and sweet breads,” she urged.

Minster of Health Luke Browne also gave remarks – pushing for persons to take action in their lives, so that they may be able to triumph over this disease.

Browne admitted that eradicating this disease would not be a ‘walk in the park’, but nevertheless, it is a problem that needs tackling.

“This is going to be something that occupies our attention and energy and effort for a long time.”

He added: “We must say in response to the selection that St Vincent and the Grenadines is going to be a healthy country, St Vincent and the Grenadines is going to be a country that took the theme for this year’s celebration seriously, and that we take proactive steps that put us in a better position to beat diabetes.”

He was adamant that Vincentians realize that the Ministry is fighting in their corner, and is determined to reduce as drastically as possible the burden the disease poses on our population.

“Over the next coming months and years, I — certainly for as long as I am the Minister of Health — I will lead a relentless campaign against this and other problems…

“I will lead at the level of the Ministry and the level of the country a renewal of primary health care, which has indications for our ability to manage diabetes and other health problems,” the minster added.

Also addressing Thursday’s proceedings was foot health practitioner Janice Horne, who encouraged diabetic patients to control their blood glucose levels.

“We know if you do not control your blood glucose level, it would affect your feet.”

She explained that complications such as poor circulation and nerve damage can lead to a loss of feeling in a diabetic patient’s legs, and can further lead to amputation, if left untreated. (CM)