PRESS BRIEF
World Diabetes Day 2025 Theme: “Diabetes and Well-Being”
(Focus: Diabetes and the Workplace)
Contact: Dr Kedhma Dorh, President, Saint Lucia Diabetes & Hypertension Association,
Services: Free education (schools, corporate, religious groups – in-person & virtual) • Foot-care services at the Association’s office • Workplace/corporate screening at a small fee
- Diabetes in Saint Lucia — Current Situation
- The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that about 11.4% of Saint Lucian adults (20–79 years) live with diabetes (2024).
- In 2011, prevalence was about 8.4% — indicating a steady upward trend over the past decade.
- The 2020 national STEPS survey showed around 15–16% of adults had elevated blood sugar (pre-diabetes or undiagnosed diabetes).
- Type 2 diabetes remains the most common form, driven by factors such as diet, inactivity, and obesity.
- Essentially we seem to have an increasing trend of new cases. We are still lacking real-time data for me to be able to state current numbers with confidence.
- The increasing trend is evident by increasing risk factors, especially childhood obesity – our children are bigger younger.
- Importance of Testing & Accessibility
- Early detection saves lives. Many people have diabetes or pre-diabetes without symptoms. Testing allows for early lifestyle changes and treatment to prevent complications.
- Screening services are available across the island through health centres and community programmes, but rural areas still face access gaps.
- The Association offers community and workplace screenings to bring services closer to the people.
- For those with access challenges; let us think of early testing to be regarded as early detection of risk factors such as alcohol use, smoking, obesity, regular consumption of unbalanced meals – by using this as a guide one should know that they are either higher or lower risk based on how they manage them.
- Early Warning Signs of Pre-diabetes
While often insiduous, early clues may include:
- Unusual thirst or frequent urination
- Fatigue and low energy
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts or infections
- Dark patches on the skin (neck, armpits)
- Steady weight gain, especially around the waist
If you have risk factors — family history, overweight, hypertension, or a history of gestational diabetes — get tested regularly.
- Public Health and Education Efforts
- The Government of Saint Lucia, with partners such as the World Bank, CARPHA, and PAHO/WHO, continues to strengthen screening and chronic disease management at the primary care level.
- The Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association supports these national efforts through:
- Free educational sessions (schools, workplaces, community and faith groups)
- Foot-care services for persons living with diabetes
- Corporate screening programmes to improve workplace wellness
- Regional partnership with healthy Caribbean Coalition advocating for policy shifts such as school nutrition policies and front of package octagonal warning labeling on all edible products.
- Reducing Your Risk & Getting Support
- Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle (150 min/week of moderate activity).
- Eat balanced meals: more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; limit sugar-sweetened drinks and processed foods.
- Avoid smoking and excess alcohol.
- Manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Schedule routine screening, especially if you are at high risk.
Support available:
- Community clinics for glucose testing and follow-up care
- Association: foot-care clinic and workplace screenings, education and awareness programmes — free upon request,
- World Diabetes Day 2025 Focus
Global Theme: Diabetes and Well-Being
2025 Focus: Diabetes and the Workplace
This year, the Association encourages all employers and employees to promote health and wellness at work — by offering screenings, creating healthy meal options, encouraging physical activity, and reducing stress.
The association will this year add to its annual calendar the Diabetes Awareness 5k walk-run, both in the north and the south of the island. The first Sunday after Diabetes awareness day, with this year being Sunday November 16, 2025. We look forward to corporate St Lucia coming out in their teams to set their mark as being serious about wellness in the workplace.
“Well-being at work begins with awareness. When we create healthy spaces for our employees, we protect our people and strengthen our nation – a well employee is a productive employee!”
— Saint Lucia Diabetes & Hypertension Association
