Jamaicans Urged To Fight Against Diabetes

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is urging all Jamaicans to be involved in the fight against diabetes.

In his message for World Health Day which was observed on April 7 under the theme ‘Stay Super – Beat Diabetes’, the Minister said that individuals, the private sector, all Government agencies and civil society should all play their part in beating the silent epidemic.

He pointed out that diabetes, as a non-communicable disease (NCD), is serious but can be prevented with testing and healthier lifestyle choices.

“Persons with all types of diabetes can prevent complications and manage their disease by taking their medication as prescribed, monitoring blood sugar, eating healthy and engaging in physical activity,” he said.

The Minister urged persons to help fight the disease by getting screened to ascertain diabetes status, being active, eating healthy, avoiding smoking, avoiding alcohol abuse, encouraging others to get tested, following medical advice and sharing information on diabetes.

“Statistics for Jamaica show that in 2010, an estimated 10 per cent of adults 18 and over….had diabetes and the disease continue to have a significant impact on our society.  The theme signals the need for us to stem this NCD, as it continues to be a silent killer.  Over time, diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves – causing chronic problems and early death,” he explained.

The Government is currently on a drive to reduce diabetes and obesity by 5 per cent by 2018 following the creation of a road map for tackling NCDs including diabetes – based on the National Strategic and Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs in Jamaica 2013 to 2018.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.5 million people die from diabetes globally every year.