High marks for Guyana on its diabetic readiness

Dear Editor,
I followed the recent ‘diabetic walk’ in Guyana, and am very surprised – and even frightened – to read that some 60,000 Guyanese are affected by diabetes. No wonder it is estimated that, worldwide, 240 million individuals live with undiagnosed diabetes, and nearly half of all adults with diabetes are unaware of their illness.
Let it be known that the supposedly developed world is not exempted from this chronic disease; as it affects millions of people in the US, where the total percentage of people with diabetes aged 18 or older has increased from 10.3% in 2001-2004 to 13.2% in 2017-2020.
And let it be known that this rise continues.
In Canada, 30% of the population live with diabetes or prediabetes; 10% live with diagnosed diabetes; and the figure climbs to 15% when cases of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes are included.
As we know, diabetes imposes a heavy financial strain on healthcare systems worldwide, but the Guyana Government knows this, and has been responding favourably. For example, on World Diabetes Day, commemorated on November 14 (under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”), the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced its grand plan to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes in the country. The idea is to include “implementing new clinical guidelines, expanding screening services, improving access to specialised care, and enhancing the provision of essential medications for diabetic patients.”
Currently ongoing in the fight against diabetes is the HbA1C testing, which is the standard tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, especially for patients needing precise blood sugar management. HbA1C (HbA1c is what’s known as glycated haemoglobin) tests provide a three-month average of blood glucose levels, offering a more comprehensive view of blood sugar control over time than traditional glucose tests. This advanced screening tool is now accessible in 82 health facilities nationwide, helping healthcare providers monitor patients’ progress, and adjust treatment as needed.
Editor, people must capitalise on this offer from the Ministry of Health. It can make a world of difference. Medical students know that this ‘glycated haemoglobin’ is something that’s made when the glucose (sugar) in the body sticks to the red blood cells. The result is that the body then can’t use the sugar properly, so more of it sticks to the blood cells and builds up in the blood. And since red blood cells are active for around 2-3 months, the reading is therefore taken quarterly.
Another thing that must be appreciated is that Guyanese are aware of, and make the most of the recently updated national guidelines for preventing and treating diabetes. I speak here of the evidence-based guideline that outlines best practices in diabetic management, which focuses on lifestyle modification, early diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment plans. It also emphasises the importance of regular monitoring and patient education, thus enabling supporting healthcare providers to better deliver the most effective and individualised care possible.
A few remarks now on the ‘2k/5k walk/run’ that was held to raise awareness of the diabetic situation in Guyana. I am indeed impressed that stigmatization and inclement weather did not deter the participants from giving visible support. The initiative, organised in collaboration with Stride 592 and the Guyana Diabetic Association, was aimed at focusing what was described as “one of Guyana’s most pressing health challenges.”
In the words of Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who himself participated in the walk, “Diabetes is one of the chronic diseases that we’re looking at in the ministry…(and) the approximately 60,000 affected is quite a big number.”
What is quite worrying is that, as the minister pinpointed, “many Guyanese remain unaware of their diabetic status.” He detailed that “A number of these persons are not even aware that they have diabetes. So, if you’re not aware, you will continue doing whatever you’re doing, and you’ll get sicker and you’ll get complications. And then you’ll come into the hospital with complications.”
His wise and medically attested advice is that “We want to encourage people to get tested. And if you’re tested and you are pre-diabetic, then you can take precautions that will prevent you from getting diabetes, or delay the onset of diabetes.”
He further counselled, “If you’re diabetic, there are certain things that you can do. For example, if you eat appropriately, if you exercise, get good sleep, and you’re not stressed, then these things can help you to, well, not prevent, but at least manage it.” Amen!
However, I reiterate that even when there are complications, the Ministry has prepped itself to respond to the high risk of kidney disease associated with diabetes. The Health Ministry has expanded nephrology services across regional hospitals, allowing diabetic patients to receive regular kidney function tests and specialised nephrology care.
The same applies in regard to eye care. Overall…there is availability of medications for patients living with diabetes, as the ministry has secured a steady supply of diabetes medications, ensuring that patients throughout Guyana can access essential treatments for managing their condition. Insulin and other drugs are now more accessible at public health facilities.
I caution that diabetes, the silent epidemic, keeps claiming an estimated 6.7 million lives around the world each year. This number is close to the total recorded death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic. One in ten adults is affected by the condition, and it is one of the top 10 causes of death globally. Let’s beat diabetes.

Yours truly,
Hargesh B Singh