A diabetic expert sees the growing cases of this Chronic Non Communicable Disease (NCDs) as the same urgency as if Chikungunya virus had again invaded this country. Her alarm is more on realising how it is creeping into the younger demographics of Barbados.

Dr Diane Brathwaite was a contributor to the Barbados Diabetic Foundation’s interactive public lecture on treating diabetes as a Multi Disciplinary challenge. Dr Brathwaite was one of several officials gathered at Hilton Barbados.

Moderator Rosemary Alleyne from CBC TV8 confessed to the audience how she had to counsel an 18 year old to take their medication,they admitted they did not want their friends knowing they’re diabetic and be left out of activities.

Nutritionist Esther Selman said if diabetics know they have a soft spot for Coke, Sprite or chocolate then not only avoid it at the supermarket but do not buy it on seeing them – urge friends or family to accompany while on a grocery run and assist in resisting their temptation(s).

The BARP executive said his own journey with sugar has been a difficult path, when he was younger he’d use three spoons in his coffee and when he realised his countrymen were rapidly becoming diabetic he started a gradual reduction until he uses only a few grains now when sipping coffee.

The interactive lecture was the culmination of a two day conference which saw many local, Caribbean and global experts compare notes and share experiences – including the Vice President of the International Diabetic Federation, Anne Belton, RN who urged participants to attend the global seminar this December in Vancouver, BC.