The Ministry of Health and Wellness has put together a number of initiatives geared towards the control of diabetes in Jamaica.

Director of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at the Ministry, Dr Nicola Skyers, says that one of the main activities is to increase publicity around the prevention and management of the disease and, in a more general way, NCDs.

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“We are in the process of scaling-up and developing our media campaigns to help us to get the information out to the population to increase awareness around matters such as the fact that controlling diabetes is not just about taking your medication,”

she says.

“Diabetes is a lifestyle condition, and in another couple of months, we should have a media campaign around physical activity,”

Dr Skyers added.

She emphasises that weight management is important in dealing with diabetes and points out that the Ministry has launched its food-based Dietary Guidelines.

The guidelines are expected to help people understand food groups and how to plan meals to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance, which is the average daily level of intake that is sufficient to meet nutrient requirements.

Dr Skyers further notes that there will be a social marketing campaign around nutrition.

“This will target persons with diabetes as well as the general population and is expected to reiterate that prevention and control are not just about diet and exercise,”