Launch assault on diabetes

THE EDITOR: November is Diabetes Awareness Month! World Diabetes Day (WDD) was celebrated globally on November 14 to raise awareness about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

The growing impact of non-communicable diseases on the economy and society is expected to intensify as the population grows older. Diabetes is an example of one of those diseases. It is a difficult disease and it is attacking an increasing number of adults. Even more frightening than that is the fact that it’s now beginning to show up in TT’s teenagers and our children.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure among adults. It causes nerve damage and when that is coupled with diabetes-related circulation problems this so often unfortunately leads to the loss of a leg or foot. Diabetes significantly increases your risk of developing heart disease. The good news is diabetes can be stopped in its tracks. It’s time to launch a campaign that focuses our resources on defeating and significantly reducing diabetes in this country. We also must learn to make better food choices and control our cravings.

SIMON WRIGHT, CHAGUANAS