There are more than 175,000 people with diabetes in Trinidad and Tobago and many more who do not know that they have the disorder. According to Carlton Phillip, President of the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago (DATT) these figures will continue to rise until people understand the risk diabetes poses to the body.

Phillip has been living with Type 2 diabetes for the past 30 years and understands first-hand the pain and suffering this disease can have on your health and overall quality of life. As a diabetic person you have two options, you can either control your diabetes or have it control you, he said.

Diabetes mellitus commonly referred to as "sugar" in the Caribbean is a condition that occurs as a result of problems with the production and/or action of insulin in the body. According to Phillip, diabetes has become such a common condition, it affects one in eight persons over the age of 35 in Trinidad and Tobago. Described as a global epidemic by the World Health Organisation, diabetes as a cause of death ranks third after heart disease and cancer in the world.

Phillip said, "I don't think people in Trinidad and Tobago see diabetes as a serious condition. It is only when faced with amputation, blindness, erectile dysfunction, kidney failure, stroke and all the other consequences of diabetes will they understand that the choices they make ultimately can mean life or death."

"My son was diagnosed with diabetes at age two; he died at 32 from diabetes. This is not something to take lightly," he added.

Diabetes can affect anyone, with Type 1 being the most common found in children and young adults. People with Type 1 diabetes need injections of insulin in order to control the levels of glucose in their blood. If they do not have access to insulin, they die, Phillip said.

How do I know if I have diabetes?

According to Phillip, the onset of Type 1 diabetes is usually sudden and dramatic and can include symptoms such as:

• Frequent urination-abnormal thirst and a dry mouth

• Extreme tiredness/lack of energy

• Constant hunger

• Sudden weight loss

• Blurred vision

• Recurrent infections

Phillip said, "While anyone can develop diabetes some people are more at risk than others. Does diabetes run in your family? Are you overweight? Do you live a sedentary lifestyle? All these factors help contribute to diabetes."

The onset of Type 2 diabetes is gradual and therefore hard to detect. For some people the symptoms described above may or may not occur. Phillip urged anyone experiencing any of the symptoms or suspect that they might have diabetes to consult their physician as soon as possible.

He said, "Having diabetes is not the end of the world. Many persons can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes by paying attention to their lifestyle. It is all about discipline and portion control when it comes to the food that we eat.

"Get active. Exercise is more than boring jumping jacks. Some fun activities like ballroom dancing and walking the dog count as exercise. Nutrition is also important. Be guided by your dietician when it comes to the portion size of each meal," he said.

Phillip has done extensive work in diabetes and is also a member of several international Diabetes Associations. He received the Humming Bird Medal (Silver) in 2006 for his contribution to education and community service. Today, Phillip continues to be an advocate for those who suffer with diabetes.

"I believe it is better to educate than medicate. Every month we have group meetings at all our locations which are open to the public. This is part of our outreach programme which helps persons with diabetes understand and control their condition. DATT aims to promote health in people with diabetes and to prevent or at least delay the onset of diabetes in those at risk through education, research and advocacy," he said.

For more information about monthly meetings call 672-8780 or 6715176.