by Leela Ramdeen, Chair of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice
Today is World Diabetes Day. The theme selected for World Diabetes Day 2009-2013 is: Diabetes education and prevention. More needs to be done to raise awareness of diabetes; equip those affected by improving their knowledge of the disease and of ways of preventing complications; and share strategies for prevention.
The International Diabetes Federation says that 285 million people globally suffer from diabetes. DiabetesCare.net states that “diabetes is the leading public health crisis of the 21st century, and it continues to grow at epidemic proportions. Nearly 25 percent of people who have diabetes don’t even know it…
“You have a higher risk for type 2 diabetes if: you have a family history of diabetes; you developed diabetes during pregnancy; your race or ethnicity is African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander; you have high blood pressure; you are over age 45; you are overweight; you are physically inactive.”
CCSJ is fortunate to have the support of Dr Kenwyn Nicholls, a Trinidadian who has returned to T&T after practising as a medical doctor in the USA for many years. When he approached Msgr Jason Gordon in July 2010 offering his expertise to the Archdiocese free of charge, Msgr Jason immediately put me in contact with him.
During my initial meetings with Dr Nicholls, it was clear that he could assist CCSJ in promoting a Wellness Programme – with specific focus on Diabetes – as part of our Respect for Life thrust. We can also link this initiative to Pope Benedict XVI’s desire that we promote integral human development – that is, the development of all dimensions of the human person and of all persons.
In August 2010, Dr Nicholls submitted for CCSJ’s attention a paper entitled: “The diabetes epidemic in TT: Attacking a burdensome disease with conventional weapons”. In his paper, he outlines the economic and other burdens of diabetes for Trinidad and Tobago and proposes a prevention-based action plan for T&T.
He says that about 143,000 persons are known Type 2 diabetics (2007 statistics). About 102,000 in T&T fall in the category of pre-diabetes. He estimates that this number is projected to reach 130,000 by the year 2025. He says:
“Type 2 diabetes and its complications have reached epidemic proportions in Trinidad and Tobago and are forecasted to get worse. This has dire implications not just for the individual family which must find the resources to deal with a loved one who has gone blind, had a leg amputated, or is in need of dialysis, but for the public purse as a result of burgeoning costs both direct…and indirect. These effects are tragic because proven, low cost alternatives are available to prevent this forecast from becoming a sure shot.
“Diabetes can be prevented or delayed by (i) changes in diet and lifestyle; (ii) screening for risk or for early management of disease; (iii) treatment of precursor lesions; and (iv) pharmacologic interventions.”
Dr Nicholls is keen to promote diabetes self-management and also prevention of the onset of diabetes using Faith communities/Faith-based organisations as partners to empower people – as opposed to the traditional methods. Interestingly, the USA is pursuing a similar strategy as a way to address this important health issue.
Dr Nicholls is aware of the work of the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago (DATT), and sees work with Faith-based organisations as complementing the work of DATT. Currently, CCSJ is seeking to identify a parish that will be prepared to work with Dr Nicholls and CCSJ on a “Train-the-Trainer Pilot Project” – focussing specifically on diabetes: self-management and prevention. If the pilot is successful, CCSJ can “roll out” the programme to other parishes later on.
I have presented Dr Nicholls’ paper to members of the IRO at an IRO meeting and have sent the President of the IRO an electronic copy so that he can circulate it widely. On August 19, I wrote to the Minister of Health, Senator the Honourable Therese Baptiste-Cornelis, requesting a meeting with her so that Dr Nicholls and I can discuss this initiative with her and also the possibility of using public laboratories for testing during the pilot. We are all part of the solution.
