The Ministry of Health in Guyana is actively addressing the challenges posed by diabetes, with a focus on improved management and prevention strategies.
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony emphasized the ministry’s goal of delaying the onset of diabetes among pre-diabetic individuals.
To achieve this, the ministry is implementing control strategies to effectively manage the condition and its associated complications.
A notable development is the adoption of a new laboratory test called HBA1C as part of updated diabetes guidelines.
This test is considered a more reliable predictor of diabetes as it assesses hemoglobin over the last 90 days to determine the presence of glucose.
The ministry has distributed the necessary equipment for this test to 46 health centers and hospitals across the country.
The Lusignan Diabetes Comprehensive Centre on the East Coast of Demerara is playing a pivotal role in the ministry’s treatment strategies.
Minister Anthony highlighted the importance of comprehensive services at this center, including eye checks to monitor potential complications.
The success of this center serves as a model that the ministry aims to replicate in other regions.
Looking ahead, the ministry plans to create a detailed database to track the number of diabetes cases in the country.
Dr. Anthony revealed that approximately 150 children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes are currently receiving assistance from the ministry.
Diabetes is a significant noncommunicable disease, and the ministry’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to holistic healthcare and prevention strategies.