The Ministry of Health and Social Development is charting the way towards improved health outcomes for people living with diabetes with the launch of care guidelines.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley said during the launch that diabetes is on the rise in the Territory and the age of those affected is trending downward. He said that there is an expectation to see an increase in numbers unless lifestyle changes are made.  “Diabetes is very prevalent in our community and the saddest part of the situation is that it is preventable,” the Minister said.

Honourable Wheatley added, “I am very pleased to see that we have started the process towards standardising the way we manage this disease and I encourage all participants necessary for a successful implementation to do their part to ensure that this initiative is a success.”

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Ronald Georges said there is very strong understanding among the health care professionals about the need and benefits of standardising care that will ultimately result in better diabetes control, outcomes and quality of life for those living with the disease.

He acknowledged that getting the buy-in from the community in all sectors affected will be a mammoth task but that the team is ready for the challenge.

Dr. Georges outlined that the launching of the guidelines is just the beginning as clinicians would have to be educated continuously about the standard of care that is expected to be upheld with regards to persons living with diabetes.

Dr. Georges added that there are collaborations that have to be formed with nonprofit organisations, farmers, supermarkets other government departments and patients and caregivers. 

 “This will take some time to be integrated using this multi-sectorial approach, but we are confident once done all of society will benefit,” the CMO explained. He added, “We will achieve our objective of helping persons living with diabetes to live a more empowered and satisfying life with better health outcomes.”

The Guidelines for the Management of Diabetes in Primary Care were launched on Thursday July 20 and welcomed healthcare professionals from the private and public sector as well as a vested group of about 50 consistent viewers online. Interested persons can visit Government’s Facebook page @BVIGovernment to view the launch broadcast.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to protecting and promoting the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.