Diabetes is a major health threat to Guyanese

Nov 20, 2022 News

Kaieteur News – This year’s theme for World Diabetes Day is ‘access to diabetes education, underpins the larger multi-year theme of ‘access to care.’ Education is important given that for Guyana and the rest of the world, diabetes is a major health issue.

In the lead-up to World Diabetes Day which was observed on 14 November, the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighted not only the challenges but more importantly the solutions, to scaling-up access to diabetes medicines and care.

In Guyana, a similar course of action was taken to mark the occasion. In his official message, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony highlighted some information on Diabetes that is specific to Guyana.

He noted that in Guyana since diabetes affects 1 in 10 adults. Dr. Anthony said this number can be higher since many Guyanese do not undergo regular screening for diabetes. The Health Minister said that it is one of the leading causes of premature death and illness.

He explained that while diabetes and its complications are largely preventable, prevention and management strategies are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality and improving patient outcomes.

EARLY DETECTION

The Minister, therefore, stressed that early detection is essential for managing diabetes.

Dr. Anthony noted that early detection and treatment are key, along with public policies and primary healthcare services that educate and support people to prevent them from developing diabetes and help those who have diabetes to manage it effectively.

Additionally, he said the risk of developing diabetes can be minimized by eating healthy foods that are low in fat and calories, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains; avoiding excessive use of alcohol; and exercising regularly.

Everyone has a role to play in addressing diabetes, particularly the Food Industry, by reducing the amount of sugars and fats in processed food and sweetened beverages.

TACKLING DIABETES

Given that chronic disease is a major health threat to Guyanese, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with several international partners to ensure that every person living in Guyana is provided with the best diabetes care. One such partner is the Mount Sinai Health System, to promote testing for diabetes status, and ensures world-class diabetes prevention and treatment are available at health centres nationwide. This partnership includes the testing for diabetes status, using the “haemoglobin a1c” test.

Further, in villages and clinics, the Health Minister said the plan is to make a simple, portable blood test – more accurate than a blood sugar – available nationwide, starting in Regions Two And Nine.

The next goal, the Minister said is world-class diabetes prevention and treatment available at health centres nationwide – (not just pills and insulin), but also health coaching on how to change one’s diet and lifestyle to avoid health problems.

There is also a plan to introduce electronic tools to assist healthcare providers to track progress in preventing and treating diabetes.

Dr. Anthony said the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization is also supporting the establishment of a Diabetes Centre, and the planning and organization of comprehensive services for the screening, treatment and management of individuals at risk and or affected by diabetes.

The Minister stressed that action is needed now, as Guyana has committed to WHO targets by 2030.

These targets include ensuring that 80 percent of people living with diabetes are diagnosed; 80 per cent of people with diagnosed diabetes have good glycemic control; 80 percent of people diagnosed with diabetes have good control of their blood pressure; 60 percent of people with diabetes of 40 years or older receive statins and 100 percent of people with type 1 diabetes have access to affordable insulin and blood glucose self-monitoring.

In the interim, Dr. Anthony urges the public to educate themselves about the chronic disease.

“For those already living with diabetes, I encourage you to stay informed about the disease, follow your doctor’s advice and ensure you stay active and eat healthily. The quality of health you enjoy will be determined by your ability to take care of yourself,” he said.