Young Brianne McCoy speaks during World Diabetes Day commemoration while (from left) Estee Banks, Minister of Health Hon Anthony Eden and her mom, Victoria Jackson, look on.  Photo by Mwangi Ngamate

By Mwangi Ngamate
mwangi@caymannetnews.com

She could not even reach the podium but she had the power to move the audience to tears.

Just seven years old, little Brianne McCoy gave a touching account of living with diabetes at Cayman’s official observance of World Diabetes Day last week.

After her words, all were convinced that diabetes is a disease to avoid if you can.

“I feel like any other child of my age and despite the fact that I take care of my health I am enjoying life,” she told the audience.

“I engage in gymnastics and exercise and even girls’ football,” she said.

But despite this normalcy, Brianne is one of 10 percent of children worldwide affected by what is now called ‘the rich man’s disease’.

Estee Banks, age 16, said he just couldn’t live his life as vigorously as other teenagers due to having diabetes “I have to ensure that I play safe and not get cuts as I risk bleeding to death in case of one,” he told the crowd.

However, he said he has been living positively with diabetes thanks to the support of his family.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the pancreas is no longer able to produce enough insulin to control the levels of glucose in the blood; or is not able to produce enough insulin to allow cells to absorb glucose from the blood.

Although it is a disease that can build slowly and painlessly over time, it can result in amputations, and cause brain damage, blurred vision, high blood pressure, stroke and even blindness. In some cases, diabetes patients lose their teeth.

According to Dr Anna Mathews, diabetes coordinator at the Health Services Authority (HSA), diabetes can be prevented through medical examinations, exercise, proper diet and sufficient rest.

However, poor living habits around the world have made Type II diabetes a pandemic throughout the world.

“Type II diabetes is growing at an alarming rate around the world and the Cayman Islands is no exception,” Dr Mathews said.

Type II diabetes is the most common form of the disease and affects three to five percent of Americans under the age of 50 and 10 to15 percent Americans over the age of 50.

The disease has also become more prevalent in developing countries due to changes in lifestyles.

Previously in remote villages in rural Africa there were rarely new cases of Type II diabetes, but with the advent of a more sedentary lifestyle the disease has taken over the continent like a grass fire in the dry season.

One out of every seven men in India suffers from diabetes, where it is the fastest spreading non-communicable disease.

Type II diabetes is considered to be a milder form of the disease because of its slow onset. This form of diabetes typically appears first in adulthood and is made worse by obesity and a diet high in sugar.

“It is an issue that is now being addressed in church because more and more of our members are affected,” said pastor John Jefferson Sr of West Bay, during the World Diabetes Day commemoration.

Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, increased appetite, sudden and unexplained loss of weight, fatigue, nausea, blurred vision, impotence in men and frequent vaginal yeast infections in women.

As for the Type I diabetes common in children, both environmental and hereditary factors are assumed to play a major part in its onset.

With Type II diabetes, factors such as age, weight, family history, and eating habits increase the risks of an individual getting the disease, which is why it is called the disease of the rich man in some parts of the world.

During the disease’s acute stages ketocidiosis can occur which causes vomiting, rapid breathing, extreme fatigue and drowsiness.

Currently there is no cure for diabetes although diet, exercise and monitoring blood glucose levels help to manage the disease.

Dr Mathews said diabetes management is key.

Many diabetics need the help of a dietician due to the complex relationship between the disease and diet.

Bethany Smith, HSA community dietician, said the choice of food that one eats is a feature of patients’ diabetes management.

Dr Mathews told the young Estee not to be negative about having the disease, as professional advice and regular exercise can help.

“You really don’t need to feel sad about it. Listen to professional advice and never give up hope,” she said.

Regular exercise plays a crucial role in managing diabetes. Muscles take in glucose at up to 20 times the normal rate during physical activity, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. Exercising can improve blood sugar control and also means improved heart health as aerobic activity makes the heart stronger in the long run. Weight loss is another benefit of a regular exercise programme.

Diabetes patients should always seek medical advice before beginning an exercise programme, said Dr Mathews, adding that constant communication with a doctor and dietician is paramount when living with diabetes.