Diabetes still a leading cause of death in Dominica

Health officials in Dominica say they are concerned that diabetes is still one of the leading causes of death on the island.

This concern was reemphasized at a consultation in early August organized by the newly reestablished Dominica Diabetes Association.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Johnson, in his presentation to the consultation, stated that diabetes is the second leading cause of death in Dominica. He revealed that 21.8% of males and 12.3% of females tested were diagnosed with the disease. Dr. Johnson’s claims were borne out by data presented on the disease by Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Ricketts in 2008.

Dr. Johnson said that though the Ministry of Health recognizes the need for training and retraining of staff within its primary health care system, the most cost effective approach in the management of diabetes is prevention.

Dr. Johnson also stated that government recognizes the significance of education and health promotion on chronic non communicable diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, obesity and cancer.

Government is currently developing a national policy for chronic non-communicable diseases. A national commission was established by Cabinet earlier this year. It is expected to advise government on the management of chronic non-communicable diseases on the island.