By Aabigayle McIntosh

Global statics have shown that the prevalence of diabetes in the North American and the Caribbean was 13.3 percent in 2019, those numbers are expected to climb into 15 percent by 2045.

Health officials are however raising the alarm as it relates to Antigua and Barbuda which has already seen a prevalence of 13 percent.

Dr. Monica Osborne Stevens raised the alarm during a programme on state TV called House Calls.

“Look at us having 13 percent. We as we’re in the Caribbean, but this is Antigua we’re talking about alone. So what do you think we could expect in 2045 if we’re already at 13 percent? Right. But I love when I look at Africa, I love to see Africa. Africa has three point nine percent,” she said

She believes this is cause by lifestyle practices, including eating habits, which she said, are a significant factor in this high prevalence.

Public Health Nutritionist Charity Dublin also explained that a shift that needs to take place in terms of nutrition.

“It is our sedentary lifestyle. So we have to take action now because if we don’t take action, I would say we are going to be in trouble, but we’re already in trouble. Dublin says the policies adopted in other regions could help to reduce the prevalence of the disease in the Caribbean.

In the Caribbean, we are behind as it relates to health policies that protect population health. So these other countries, they may have policies related to SSBs or school nutrition policies,” She said.