The Bahamas Steps Survey (2019) revealed that there is a 6.8% pre-diabetes prevalence (19,856) and 11.6% diabetes prevalence (33,872). Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (Type 1) or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar) it produces (Type 2). It is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and is usually more prevalent in adults. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not make enough. The reason this happens is unknown, although genetics and lifestyle choices, such as being overweight and inactive, seem to be contributing factors. This type of diabetes was seen only in adults but, it is now also occurring among children and teenagers.

When blood sugar is raised for an extended period of time and is not controlled, it can lead to severe damage to many systems of the body, especially the nerves and blood vessels. Some symptoms of this disease are frequent urination, sores or cuts that take long to heal, itchy skin, numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, blurred vision, erectile dysfunction, weight loss, fatigue, increased hunger and thirst, and yeast infections.

Being overweight is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes. However, persons who are normal weight can also develop this disease. Some other risk factors include physical inactivity, family history, race or ethnicity, age, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and gestational diabetes.

Diabetes can lead to serious complications such as blindness, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, erectile dysfunction, and lower-limb amputations.

Here are some simple lifestyle measures that can be put in place to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes: eat a healthy diet, get moving, drink plenty of water, get enough vitamin D, practice moderation, practice deep breathing in the open air, sleep for 8 hours every night, trust in God, get an annual physical examination, take medication as prescribed, monitor your blood sugar, abstain from harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco.

Diet plays a significant part in helping to prevent and treat diabetes. Eat a healthy diet based on the plate method - half non-starchy vegetables (kale, cabbage, tomatoes, etc.), quarter carbs/starch (wholegrain starches like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or brown rice, etc.), and quarter protein (nuts, lentils, beans, turkey, chicken, fish, etc.). Eat three meals per day or as advised by your physician or dietitian.

Being active consistently makes your body more sensitive to insulin. Physical activity also helps control blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease and nerve damage. It is recommended to get 30 minutes a day of exercise, 4 – 5 days per week.

God is our Creator and Sustainer, and He wishes that we prosper and be in health (3 John 2). Who better to trust with your health and wellness than the Manufacturer - God? Ask Him to give you the power to make healthy lifestyle choices.

--Article written by Mrs. Nathelyn Lacroix, Health Ministries Director, South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.