In Jamaica, more than 300,000 persons have diabetes and more than half of them do not know. It is possible that you, or someone you know, may be suffering from this disease. This lack of awareness is very serious since diabetes is the major cause of blindness in this country.

Diabetes is responsible for half of the leg and foot amputations outside of traumatic causes. It is a major cause of kidney failure, resulting in a need for dialysis. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease by two to four times and stroke by two to six times. It is projected that it costs Jamaica 1.8 billion dollars annually.

What is diabetes?

The body produces insulin by way of the pancreas or 'sweet bread'. This insulin is used to convert sugars released from starchy foods to provide energy needed for daily living. When insulin is not working properly or is present in insufficient quantities, glucose (or blood sugar) rises to very high levels in the blood causing damage to nearly every organ in the body. Diabetes is a disease which results from very high and sustained levels of glucose in the blood.

Types of diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 is the more severe form of the disease and tends to affect children. Fortunately, Type 1 affects less than 10 per cent of the people with diabetes. These persons must be given daily insulin in order to survive. Type 2 is the more prevalent type of diabetes. It affects older individuals who often have a history of diabetes among family members. Persons who are overweight or obese and maintain an inactive lifestyle are at a greater risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Signs of diabetes

Weight control is important in the prevention of diabetes in men.

Diabetes can be present for very long periods without causing any obvious signs. Symptoms occur late in the disease. These include frequent urination, exaggerated thirst, always hungry, easy tiring and weakness, unexplained weight loss, itchy skin and blurred vision. Men should not wait for these signs. Diabetes can be detected early by doing a simple finger prick to test the blood sugar.

Prevention and treatment

Presently, there is no cure for diabetes. But there is strong evidence that diabetes can be prevented or at least delayed by having a proper diet and a physically-active life that maintains good weight control. Certainly, the complications can be avoided by monitoring blood glucose levels and having regular checks for your eyes, heart, kidneys and feet. Educating yourself about the early signs and adherence to a diabetic management plan will result in a long, productive life.

Diabetes care is available

The Diabetes Association of Jamaica is a private organisation that offers regular care to persons who have diabetes. They offer medical checks, foot care, diet counselling, exercise classes and eye checks at a small fee. They also offer medications at a low cost. Each year, in March, they host a conference to provide diabetic education to health providers as well as members of the general public. Men are at risk of being unaware of having this dangerous disease. So, attend the Diabetes Association branch in your parish or your nearest health centre to test for diabetes.

Dr Pauline Williams-Green is a family physician and president of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.