Sugary drinks, pastries and fast food may be firmly entrenched in the national diet. But with more than one in 10 of the country’s population now suffering from diabetes, local medics say overindulgence is helping fuel a health crisis. “Type one diabetes is a genetic condition that shows up early in life, whereas type two is mainly lifestyle-related and develops over time,” explains consultant cardiologist Dr Georgette Meade.
Alarming statistics from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) indicate that 13 percent of people living in Antigua and Barbuda are diabetic, putting them at increased risk of heart attack, chronic kidney disease, blindness, stroke and nerve damage.
What might be heaven on the taste buds is not so sweet on the heart, says Dr Meade.
“Diabetes increases your chance of having a heart attack by two to three times. It is also one of the main causes of end stage renal disease leading to the need for dialysis. In some cases, diabetes can lead to peripheral arterial disease which causes the blood vessels to narrow, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. “We see quite a few cases where diabetes results in amputation of limbs,” Dr Meade says.
World Diabetes Day is marked annually on November 14 to raise public awareness about the illness, its symptoms and how to prevent it. “We have seen an increase in diabetes in recent years and the biggest contributor is an unhealthy diet that’s high in sugar,” Dr Meade continues.
Sweetened drinks, candy, bread, rice and pasta are among the major culprits, she explains. “People should always monitor the labels on the food and drinks they buy; they would be surprised to see how much sugar they contain.”
“Too many people, even after being diagnosed with diabetes, are still eating foods they know they shouldn’t,” she says.
“It’s important to have regular screenings and medical checks even if you have no symptoms. And don’t wait until you’re in your 40s; you can start getting check-ups in your 20s. “Prevention is key because once you have established diabetes, you are at risk of developing complications. People are still not taking their health as seriously as they should.”
“To those persons who are not known to have diabetes, be sure to get your yearly health checks, keep your weight under control, exercise for at least 30 minutes at least five times a week, maintain a healthy diet, avoid habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol use,” she says.
“To those living with diabetes: Exercise, eat healthily, track your blood sugars, take your medications and adhere to your treatment plan. You can still live your best life!