BASED ON THE 2020 SAINT LUCIA’S STEPS SURVEY DATA INDICATES THAT AROUND 15.9% OF ADULTS IN SAINT LUCIA HAVE INCREASED BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS.
Every year, World Diabetes Day is recognized globally on November 14. This year’s theme, “Diabetes and Well-being”, underscores the importance of ensuring that individuals
living with diabetes can live a healthy and fulfilling life with equal opportunities for happiness and well-being.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 422 million people worldwide are living with diabetes.
The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 11.8% of Saint Lucians live with diabetes. Based on the 2020 Saint Lucia’s STEPS Survey data indicates that around 15.9% of adults in Saint Lucia have increased blood sugar levels.
Globally, Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of the disease, accounting for an estimated 90% of all cases. Fortunately, Type 2 Diabetes can often be prevented or even managed through healthy lifestyle choices.
On this World Diabetes Day, we remind everyone that living with diabetes is not a barrier to living a full life. With proper education, healthy lifestyle practices, regular monitoring, and appropriate medication, diabetes can be managed effectively. Knowledge is power, especially for those living with diabetes.
Understanding which foods help manage blood sugar levels, what constitutes acceptable blood sugar readings, and how to monitor one’s condition can empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
Physical, mental, and emotional well-being are all integral to managing diabetes. Simple yet impactful commitments, such as staying physically active, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, taking care of mental health, and achieving a healthy weight, can make a significant difference.
The Government of Saint Lucia remains committed to improving access to healthcare services, education, and treatment for diabetes. Diabetes screening is available free of charge at all wellness centers across the country.
In addition, through the Performance-Based Financing (PBF) Pilot Program at 17 participating Wellness Centres, Diabetic clients can get laboratory tests done at NO COST.
We continue to work towards promoting holistic care by ensuring that individuals living with diabetes have access to medical consultations, specialist services, diabetic retinopathy eye screenings, nutritional counseling, foot care, and mental health support.
Since individuals with diabetes spend a significant amount of time managing their condition at home, we encourage them to improve their knowledge and skills by enrolling in self- management courses offered at wellness centers.
This year, the Ministry of Health, Wellness & Elderly Affairs will collaborate with a range of stakeholders to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of diabetes in Saint Lucia.
Multiple activities will highlight the importance of well-being for people living with diabetes.
On this World Diabetes Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all Saint Lucians, particularly those living with diabetes.