We cannot predict who will get diabetes however, often we have a good idea who is at risk for it. Diabetes Mellitus is not a new problem. The battle to control the levels of blood sugar and allow individuals to live a normal life has been ongoing since the advent of the disease and it seems, like we are still losing! The symptoms of hypertension are often not felt until the disease has well progressed. Hypertension is well known as the “silent killer”, a term which has prompted some of us believe that it has existed long before the 19th Century.
When the St Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension association (SLDHA) was launched in April, 1989, the intentions were to attend to the welfare of diabetic and hypertensive individuals in St. Lucia, as well as to provide service to the public. We aim to be the driving force to build awareness of the diseases and its implications, especially where they are often misunderstood. Our outreach programme will bring awareness to all regions in St. Lucia that Diabetes and Hypertension remain the greatest health threats to our people to date.
The message of diabetes and hypertension is now everywhere and most businesses are making attempts to help. Pharmacies, private companies, governments, NGOs and other groups are all doing something. My message is to press on! Little progresses and baby steps are better than nothing at all. Together we can do it, but only if we unite and tackle the problem as a nation.
