‘Know your number’ diabetes campaign launched

ith a staggering one in four Barbadian adults living with diabetes, the Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados is stepping up the fight against the island’s diabetes epidemic.

Launching its Know Your Numbers campaign on Thursday, the group is seeking to educate Barbadians on World Diabetes Day observed on Thursday the vital health metrics that can aid in prevention and control, setting the stage for a nationwide movement towards better diabetes care.

The campaign focuses on essential health metrics—blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and HbA1c levels. HbA1c, a measure of average blood sugar levels over the last two to three months, provides a clearer view of long-term glucose control and is vital for managing diabetes effectively.

“Knowing your numbers is very important,” said Dr Diane Brathwaite, clinical director at the Barbados Diabetes Foundation. “Knowing your numbers… means knowing where you stand and what you need to do,” she said.

Her patient anecdotes emphasised the power of early detection and regular screenings to prevent complications.

In one case, a patient who was found to be pre-diabetic was able to make lifestyle adjustments to bring her blood sugar levels back into a healthier range. She also told the story of another patient who neglected his high blood sugar levels.

“He told me, ‘I wish I’d paid attention sooner’,” Dr Brathwaite recalled. He faced complications, including neuropathy (damage or disease affecting the nerves), but through guided lifestyle changes and regular monitoring, he stabilised his condition.

“Your chances of putting [diabetes] into remission are far higher when caught early,” Dr Brathwaite stressed.

Also speaking during a breakfast panel discussion at the Radisson Aquatica Resort to launch the Know Your Numbers campaign, Senior Medical Officer of Health, Dr Walter Alleyne elaborated on the economic toll of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on Barbados.

“The direct cost for NCD management is about 17 per cent of the health budget,” he said. Adding that indirect costs and the psychological toll on families and communities further strain resources, he explained, “When you put those two together, it’s about three per cent of our gross domestic product, and that’s quite a bit.”

Dr Alleyne urged a preventive approach to avoid these high costs, noting that poorly managed diabetes and hypertension lead to absenteeism and early retirement, both of which impact national productivity.

Lifestyle and cultural habits also emerged as key factors in the discussion. The senior medical officer pointed to the Caribbean’s historical reliance on high-salt foods, stating that “our kidneys are more responsive to the presence of salt in our bloodstream than other ethnicities”, which increases susceptibility to hypertension.

Alcohol consumption remains a significant risk factor, too. “We focus on those bigger problems,” he said, acknowledging that while alcohol use is deeply ingrained in social practices, it heightens risks for hypertension and diabetes.

“These are issues that need cultural shifts, and that doesn’t happen overnight,” Dr Alleyne said.

The Know Your Numbers campaign stresses the role of families and communities in diabetes management. Dr Brathwaite encouraged Barbadians to support one another in making healthier choices.

“We need to encourage our communities to own their health,” she said, advocating for wellness programmes in workplaces and family-based health initiatives to foster a culture of prevention. “Family support can make a huge difference in managing diabetes.”

Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George highlighted the critical need for partnerships across the public, private, and civil sectors in addressing diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

“With any public health issue, partnership is required to push back against the scourge of diabetes, and today is a good example,” he said, acknowledging the collaboration of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the private sector, and civil society in supporting the campaign.

The chief medical officer underscored the ministry’s commitment to improving diabetes care, stressing the importance of structured treatment protocols. “For the management of diabetes, we need sound protocols which are multi-sectoral,” he said.

Pointing to the success of hypertension protocols, Dr George added: “We support access to newer pharmaceuticals, including newer insulins for the management of diabetes.”

He expressed optimism, saying, “Brick by brick and chip by chip, we’ll be able to make a difference.”

The panel emphasised the need for standardised care protocols and increased access to healthcare services. The clinical director recommended comprehensive annual screenings, including eye exams, foot care, and nutrition counselling, as essential public health services. Alleyne echoed her suggestions, calling for structured protocols to ensure consistent, preventive care across the healthcare system. (RG)