Today, November 14, is being commemorated as World Diabetes Day under the theme ‘Access to Diabetes Care’, which seeks to promote equitable access to diabetes care for individuals living with diabetes.

Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that 422 million people are living with diabetes globally, with 1.5 million deaths attributed to diabetes each year.

Locally, diabetes is most prevalent among persons 75 years and older, 42 per cent, according to the 2016/2017 Health and Lifestyle Survey.

Additionally, 12 per cent of Jamaicans are said to have pre-diabetes – with the higher percentage seen in women than men, putting them at a greater risk of developing the disease.

Diabetes is often classified by healthcare officials as a chronic disease that occurs when the body does not make enough insulin, or when the body cannot use the insulin it produces.

Sadly, if not treated, diabetes can result in blindness, stroke, kidney failure, heart attack, or lower limb amputation.

As the world commemorates World Diabetes Day, the South East Health Regional Authority (SERHA), a statutory body of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, is urging members of the public to take the necessary steps to reduce the incidence of diabetes.

Here are some useful tips from SERHA that can reduce your risk of diabetes:

• Visiting the nearest health centre to get tested for diabetes.
• Reducing sugary or sweetened beverages
• Increasing physical activity (30 minutes of exercise daily)
• Eating fruits and vegetables
• Drinking plenty of water
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding stressful situations

SERHA is also encouraging individuals who are living with diabetes to eat healthier, visit the doctor for regular check-ups, and follow the treatment plan as prescribed by their doctor.