Bark Di Trute!: Diabetes By Dr. Winsome Vanhorne-Christie

Currently Approximately 11.9% (9% men, 14.6% women) or 236,200 of Jamaicans 15 years and older have diabetes. The prevalence increases with age and more women than men have diabetes. There are 92.5% (91.3% male, 93.0% females) of Jamaicans 15 years and older with diabetes that are on treatment (MOHW,2020).

Diabetes is often referred to as “sugar “ in Jamaica and is a disease that affects how the body uses food. (NHF retrieved 23rd 2021)

The hormone insulin (which is made in the pancreas) is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into the energy needed for daily life, for thinking, moving and other activities.

Diabetes is actually a group of syndromes characterized by:

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), altered metabolism of lipids (fats), carbohydrates and proteins, and is accompanied by an increased risk of complications from vascular disease, causing nerve pains, eye damage and other complications such as heart and kidney disease.

The inflammatory explanation of diseases has identified Trauma (adverse childhood events) as a leading cause of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, lupus, hypertension depression, sleep disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and others. So social issues such as poverty, crime and violence are situations which needs to be addressed in order to reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses.

Risk Factors for diabetes include:

Being overweight: Fatty tissue causes your cells to become resistant to insulin.
Inactivity: The less active you are, the greater the risk. ...
Family history (Genetics). ...
Race or ethnicity. ...
Age: The older the person the greater the risk

Certain conditions:

Pregnancy (resulting in gestational diabetes)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
High blood pressure

Holistic Nutritionists Recommend lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. Mindfulness body relaxation techniques have also been found in research helpful in reducing the effects of social ills (family disputes, child neglect and abuse, divorce, violence) that may also contribute to patients being ill.

Mindfulness refers to the awareness that arises because of paying attention and focusing on the moment, what is happening, e.g. focusing on deep breathing; the breath, good nutrition and the appropriate food content and portions as well as the frequency of eating. Get a consultation with a nutritionist or dietician to help you.

Relaxation mind body techniques

The Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica will be encouraging Pharmacists across Jamaica (in Collaboration with tools provided by Dr. Lenore Coleman a Clinical Pharmacist and Diabetes Educator based in the United States of America) to help Jamaicans know their Numbers. This will be an ongoing campaign, it will help: