The Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association (SLDHA), has collaborated with the Ministry of Health, Massy Stores and other strategic partners to host a number of events during the month of November that highlight the practices necessary to reduce the escalating levels of diabetes on island.

The events are being held in observance of World Diabetes Day, on Nov. 14.

Dr. Shana Cyr-Philbert, who is the focal point for non-communicable diseases in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, said that Saint Lucia has an estimated 14 percent prevalence of diabetes among the population.

“We’re looking at certain risk factors like being overweight or obese, smoking, living a very sedentary lifestyle in terms of not exercising, and family history,” she said. “We want to ensure our population is aware of the fact that diabetes is not just the individual’s problem but the whole family’s problem, and beyond that we’re looking at society as one big family so that everyone needs to help the other person.”

President of the Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association, Andrew Felix, challenged the corporate sector—particularly insurance companies—to do more in the fight against diabetes.

His statement was made during a cheque presentation of EC$8,000 made by Massy Stores in support of World Diabetes Day.

“Insurance companies not just in Saint Lucia but throughout the region, I’m sure would rather have clients making referrals and payments rather than clients who make claims. It is essential for them understand the importance of reducing diabetes,” he said.

Sariah Best-Joseph, Divisional Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Massy Stores, said being one of the largest employers on island with over 1200 employees, the company understands the impact lifestyle diseases such as diabetes can have on productivity and performance.

“We have understood the importance of ensuring that we not only engage with associations like the Diabetes and Hypertension Association and support their work, but more importantly we want to support our staff who need information and who need to become more aware of diseases and how they can better manage their health, wellness, and fitness.”

Meanwhile the youth are being called upon to get educated about the disease by paying greater attention to the risk factors which can lead to diabetes.

Perseus Prospere, Vice President of the Youth Diabetic Group, said: “The youth probably wouldn’t even think about it because they don’t have any medical conditions, but unhealthy living can lead to diabetes. So off course, we’re encouraging them to live healthy, and take part in all our activities this month so that they are educated about diabetes and its symptoms, so they can live longer, healthier lives.”

The SLDHA is hoping for greater corporate partnership in the fight to reduce the prevalence of diabetes in Saint Lucia.