Yesterday, November 14, marked World Diabetes Day, a day that urges the world to unite in combatting diabetes – a disease impacting millions and recognized as one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide.
Under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”, Guyana’s Ministry of Health is intensifying its efforts to address the rising incidence of diabetes, focusing on breaking the barriers to healthcare access and bridging gaps in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This year’s observance of World Diabetes Day was a testament to how vital early detection and comprehensive care are in curbing the severity and consequences of this chronic condition.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony recently announced an ambitious series of initiatives to transform diabetic care in Guyana. Recognising that diabetes and its complications are largely preventable, these efforts emphasize early detection, evidence-based treatment, and improved access to essential services and medications for those in need.
A significant milestone is the introduction of updated national guidelines for diabetic care. These guidelines highlight the role of lifestyle modification, early diagnosis, and comprehensive management plans aimed at delivering individualized, high-quality care across the nation. For instance, Guyana has made HbA1C testing a standard for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. This advanced screening tool, now available in 82 health facilities, provides a three-month average of blood glucose levels, allowing for more accurate treatment adjustments and better long-term outcomes for diabetic patients.
The Health Ministry has also expanded specialized care to address common complications associated with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy, which could lead to blindness if untreated, is now being closely monitored in ophthalmology clinics available in four health facilities. These clinics offer crucial retinal exams to catch vision issues early, providing patients with the resources they need to protect their eyesight. Similarly, nephrology services have been expanded across regional hospitals to address diabetic nephropathy, a condition that can severely impact kidney function, and lead to dialysis if not managed properly.
In response to the frequent occurrence of diabetic foot complications, the Health Ministry has established foot clinics across the country. These clinics, staffed with trained specialists, provide wound care, preventive services, and patient education on proper foot care, a critical component in preventing infections and amputations. The increase in these clinics is a strategic effort to enhance quality of life for diabetic patients and prevent serious complications.
Further, access to medications like insulin is now more secure, thanks to the Ministry’s initiative to maintain a steady supply of diabetes medications in public health facilities. This availability eases the financial burden on patients, making essential treatments more accessible to those in need.
As Guyana continues to advance its approach to diabetes care, the Ministry of Health remains committed to empowering healthcare providers through advanced training and increasing community-based programmes that educate the public on diabetes prevention. Research and data collection would be prioritised to better understand diabetes trends, ensuring that future policies are data-driven and are responsive to the nation’s healthcare needs.
The efforts in Guyana underscore a commitment to delivering better outcomes for diabetic patients, and building a healthier, more resilient Guyana. On this World Diabetes Day, there should be unity to break barriers and bridge gaps, building a future in which diabetes is no longer a leading cause of suffering in our communities.
