Source: Caribbean National Weekly
On World Diabetes Day, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) underscores the stark reality that the Region of the Americas bears the heaviest burden of diabetes worldwide.
In a concerning trend, the number of individuals grappling with this metabolic disorder has surged dramatically over the past three decades, skyrocketing from 18 million in 1980 to a staggering 62 million by 2014.
The alarming escalation
The upswing in diabetes cases paints a somber picture, highlighting a trifecta of factors: insufficient prevention measures, late diagnoses, and inadequate metabolic control.
These factors are inextricably linked to the surging prevalence of the condition’s primary risk factors—overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Obesity and Inactivity
PAHO reveals that the Region of the Americas bears the unfortunate distinction of being the global leader in both obesity and physical inactivity, with prevalence rates of 63 per cent and 39 per cent, respectively.
These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the twin epidemics of obesity and diabetes.
The theme for World Diabetes Day: Access to diabetes care
As World Diabetes Day unfolds, the overarching theme of “Access to Diabetes Care” takes center stage.
This theme serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative to expand and improve access to diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services across the region.