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Diabetes in the Caribbean

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body is no longer able to properly regulate blood sugar levels. This can be due to a lack of insulin (type 1 diabetes) or resistance to the effects of insulin (type 2 diabetes), the hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar.

Why talk about diabetes in the Caribbean?

In the Caribbean, the prevalence of diabetes is particularly high. This is due to several factors:

  • A diet increasingly rich in sugar, fat, and processed products.

  • A sedentary lifestyle, with little physical activity.

  • Genetic predisposition in Afro-Caribbean populations.

  • Limited access to preventive healthcare and early detection.

In countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, or Saint Lucia, diabetes is one of the leading causes of death. Many people are unaware they have the disease, which increases the risk of complications.

What are the complications?

If not properly managed, diabetes can lead to serious complications:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks, strokes)

  • Kidney failure

  • Vision loss (diabetic retinopathy)

  • Infections and amputations, especially in the feet

  • Nerve damage (neuropathy)

These complications are often irreversible and can seriously impact quality of life.

How to prevent diabetes?

Prevention is possible, especially for type 2 diabetes. It involves:

  • Adopting a healthy and balanced diet (less sugar, more vegetables and fiber)

  • Practicing regular physical activity (30 minutes a day)

  • Monitoring weight and waist circumference

  • Avoiding tobacco and alcohol

  • Getting regular medical checkups, especially if there's a family history

Living with diabetes in the Caribbean

Being diabetic in the Caribbean can be a challenge due to the cost of care, lack of specialists, or difficulty accessing medications and insulin. However, many tools are available:

  • Community health programs

  • Nutritional support and counseling

  • Education campaigns

  • Family and peer support

Better understanding the disease allows for better management. Knowledge is the first step toward control and a healthier life.