Published on April 25, 2021
Type 2 diabetes is a silent epidemic in Barbados, and unless the current trend is reversed soon, one in four adults could be diagnosed with diabetes by 2035.
This is the opinion of Dr. Laura Lovell, who was featured in an article for Better Health Magazine.
“When most people think of an epidemic, they usually think of the plague, the flu virus, or some other contagious disease. However, as obesity rises, especially in the western world, more non-communicable diseases like diabetes are taking root, ”she said.
CHART showing the progression of type 2 diabetes. (GP)
Dr. Lovell outlined some sobering facts about diabetes in Barbados:
- In 2017, 35,600 people lived with diabetes. That’s 17.6% of our population. This is an increase from 2010 when 13.8% of the population were diagnosed.
- The major amputation rate in Barbados is one of the highest in the world, earning us the title of “Amputation Capital of the World” (375 per 105 people with diabetes in 2004).
- The factors that lead to amputation are common in our society:
- Inadequate footwear and foot care
- G. Going outside barefoot, not checking your feet every day, wearing thong sandals or poorly fitting shoes
- Bad feeling in the feet (neuropathy)
- Foot injury cannot be detected early
- Poor blood circulation in the feet (peripheral artery disease)
“These facts are terrifying to say the least, but there is something that can be done to change this trend. Get suitable shoes. Always wear suitable footwear. Consult your doctor or podiatrist about this. Shoes should never be too tight with toe prints visible. This creates friction that can lead to blisters and eventually ulcers. Never go outside barefoot! Not even for a minute, ”advised Dr. Lovell.
She also urged people to get screened to prevent the disease from developing or to detect it early on.
“If you don’t have diabetes, you may still be at risk if you’re over 40, overweight, or a family member with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Even if you don’t have symptoms, part of your yearly exercise is getting checked for diabetes. If you have diabetes, your Hba1c (three-month average blood sugar) should be less than 7% so that you have a lower risk of complications, ”the doctor explained, adding that people need to take control of their diabetes and avoid it, another To become statistics.
This article was brought to you by Better Health Magazine.
