Rosemary Parkinson, Gleaner Writer

Dian Watson shops for fresh produce at Papine market.

Many people feel that diabetes cannot affect them. It can. Many call it "a little sugar." This is a fallacy. Diabetes is a devastating disease that can cause heartache and ultimately death, if not managed. Diabetes is not, as commonly thought, a disease that only affects the grass roots of the society. This week Food looks at diabetes in high profile businesswomen who have found it necessary to speak out. Diabetes can no longer be hidden or hushed. It has reached chronic proportions in Jamaica within all levels of the society.

Dian's Story

Dian Watson is the owner of Contemporary Art Gallery Café on Hope Road, Kingston. This is her story:

My name is Dian Watson and I am a diabetic. Eight years ago I had a rash on my fingers and toes that would not respond to medication. Months later I started passing excessive water. I suspected diabetes because my mother was diabetic. I knew the disease could be hereditary. Nothing, however, prepared me for the results of the tests - Type 2 diabetes. My first reaction to those words was "my life is all over." Every horrible thought possible ran through my head. I was scared.

The realisation was that if I wanted to live a productive life and see my son into adulthood, I could no longer eat all my lovely Jamaican foods. I had always eaten with more gusto than I should have, lots of rice and peas, Johnny cakes, boiled dumplings, desserts of sweet potato pudding, and more.

Anger and Confusion

Filled with anger and confusion, I knew my doctor just had to help me through all of this. I would not allow him to dismiss me with the usual "you have diabetes, eat less." I spent quality time with him, asked many questions, leaving with reading material for further information.

What was happening

My pancreas, the organ in the body that produces insulin, was just not doing its job anymore. I had it and it would no longer produce enough insulin to break down the sugars in the foods I was eating, so I was ending up with too much sugar in my blood stream. If I continued allowing this to happen, I would begin destroying all the other organs in my body. I was lucky my problem was discovered at the right time. Now it was up to me. I had choices. Continue to eat incorrectly and possibly face a life filled with illness and complications leading to my death, or I could act immediately to control this disease so that I could lead a healthy life and watch my son grow up.

Education

I further informed myself about diabetes by reading, talking to others who were afflicted, sharing the pain, the knowledge, the desperation without being ashamed. I made up my mind that I had damaged my own health and would now make every effort to repair it. Being in the food industry, I quickly rose to the challenge and my whole way of eating changed. I became more imaginative in my cooking. I lost weight slowly. I had been, in fact, far too fat. I now watched the quantities of the foods I ate. I cut down on everything, leaving out all the stuff that was bad for me. Like salt, for instance.

I began to really taste food once I cut out salt. My taste buds changed. I experimented with fresh seasonings and herbs; learned the value of garlic, thyme and scallion. I forced myself to keep moving. If I required water, I don't call for help, I got it myself. If I can walk I do - like to the market to choose my fresh produce. This gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge with the vendors about the disease. and I meet other diabetics and shared recipes for the good dishes diabetics can eat. These include: yellow yam, sweet potatoes, salads, particularly green ones, callaloo, avocados. Sorrel. Ginger. And all the time I am exercising not only my body but my mind in a positive way.

A Balanced Diet

Diabetes makes one realise the importance of a balanced diet. This should be taught to children at an early age in school. I am concerned about the number of young people who are being diagnosed with diabetes - this is not just hereditary - this is about eating all the wrong things from childhood. Fried foods, sodas, juices filled with sugar - are bad. Many snacks today have either too much sugar or salt. An occasional snack treat is fine but eating them daily is bad.

Jamaica has a high and chronic diabetes rate - we have an epidemic on our hands. Fast food companies and food processors all need to start thinking about health. Food vendors should be mindful of its preparation, more in tune with what they are serving. Supermarkets should become conscientious and organise shelves in conjunction with dieticians, complete with well-planned sections for diabetics.

I have learned how to, what to and when to eat. I eat frequently in small portions. I try to eat a lot of fresh produce, drink plenty water and if I feel stress coming on, I test my blood sugar. You can learn to do this by yourself. I give myself some private time to relax and just rest. With a positive attitude, I am living a full life. Anyone who has diabetes, whether type 2 or 1 - can do the same. It is all a matter of discipline, changing your mindset and lifestyle.

Left: Chochoes on their own are great for diabetics but they can take on the flavour of anything from mock apple pie to your favourite hot curry dish.   Right: Fish is an important part of the diabetic lifestyle. - photos by Rosemary Parkinson/Gleaner Writer