Premier and Minister for Health
Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP, MLA
World Diabetes Day Message 2016
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14 November 2016

As we mark World Diabetes Day 2016, it is a fitting opportunity to arm ourselves against a disease suffered by so many people in the Caribbean and around the globe.
Diabetes, or “sugar” as the condition is often called in the Cayman Islands, is a serious illness which can lead to severe complications, substantial disability and premature death. In many countries diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and lower-limb amputation.
As Minister for Health, this concerns me greatly and I urge everyone to take measures to prevent the onset of diabetes or to help reduce effects of the condition.
We should all pay close attention to the theme of this year’s observance: “Eyes on Diabetes”. The focus is on the importance of screening to ensure early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, and treatment to reduce the risks of serious complications.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, many people live with type 2 diabetes for a long period without being aware of their condition. By the time of diagnosis, diabetes complications may already be present.
Screening for type 2 diabetes is vital to modify the course of the illness and lower the risk of complications, while screening for complications is an essential part of managing all types of diabetes.
The fact is, one in two adults with diabetes don’t even know they have the condition. Many people live with type 2 diabetes for years without realising, so when a diagnosis is made, complications may already be present. More of us will also develop and live with type 2 diabetes
Children are affected too, especially with increasing levels of poor nutrition and physical inactivity. Indeed, childhood diabetes has the potential to become a global public health issue leading to serious health outcomes.

The number of people already diagnosed with diabetes around the world is staggering. Last year there were 415 million adults living with the condition, and this number is expected to increase to around 642 million – or one in 10 adults – by 2040.
Nonetheless, we in the Cayman Islands have taken a proactive approach to diabetes as we do with other Public Health initiatives. We have educational events lined up to mark World Diabetes Day, including free eye screening for glaucoma, and blood glucose and cholesterol testing in the Cayman Islands Hospital atrium on 9 November from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will also be an educational session “Eyes on Diabetes” with Health Services Authority speakers, Dr. Cilliers, ophthalmologist; Tamara Riley, dietician; and Winsome Jefferson, pharmacist. This will be held in the Hibiscus Conference Room at the Cayman Islands Hospital on 10 November at 5.30 p.m. and is open to the public, especially diabetics.
In addition, I remind people that they can be screened for diabetes by their physician at any time. This is particularly important for anybody who has a family history of “sugar”.
We can each of us help avoid or control the condition by eating a healthy, balanced diet, as well as taking regular exercise and avoiding stimulants such as alcohol and drugs.
Please also encourage your children to be active: too much time watching television, chatting with friends on social media or playing video games is bad for their health. It is best to also avoid giving them sugary snacks and soda.
Let us start to keep our “Eyes on Diabetes” by participating in, and observing World Diabetes Day, and making a conscious effort to improve our lifestyles and fight off the threat of this illness.