Diabetic limb amputations a major concern

Birmingham is expressing concerns over limb amputations associated with diabetes
Birmingham is expressing concerns over limb amputations associated with diabetes

The Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) is expressing deep concerns as it relates to the sharp increase in lower limb amputations due to diabetes.

President of DOMDA, Marvlyn Birmingham, made that declaration as she addressed the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) building in Roseau on Thursday.

Birmingham, who presented the organization’s 2013- 2014 report, said diabetes presents an enormous health challenge to Dominica and indeed the entire world.

“Diabetic foot care has become a flagship program for the association…,” she stated. “However we must register our deep concern regarding the sharp increase in lower limb amputation. There is a disturbing increase in below ankle amputation.”

“Are we cutting instead of treating?” she questioned.

She stated that action must be taken to address the situation.

“We might say more training, but is that enough to sustain a reduction in amputations due to diabetes?” she asked.

Birmingham is suggesting that a system be put in place to facilitate “prompt” attention to “diabetic foot problem.”

Meantime she noted that indications are that younger persons are exhibiting many of the risk factors associated with Non Communicable Diseases (NCD).

“Data show an increasing rate of obesity among the youth and the onset of diabetes at a younger age than a few decades ago,” she explained. “Hence engaging the youth, although of high importance to the association, has not materialized in a meaningful way.”

She mentioned that the association has made many attempts to recruit young leaders with diabetes to participate in a special training program in order to build a NCD movement among their peers but the outcome has not been good.

“But it seems that the stigma associated with diabetes presents a barrier to the involvement of not only the youth, but also many adults in society,” she lamented.

She revealed that the International Diabetes Federation estimates that globally $382 million or 8.3 percent of all adults are currently living with the disease and this figure is expected to rise within a generation to 592 Million by the year 2035.

DOMDA is a not for profit organization registered under the company’s Act of Dominica.

The association continues to focus on promoting wellness and building self-management capacity among the population and is also committed to working collaboratively with the other organizations in the fight against Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.

The AGM was under the Theme: “Sustaining Partnership in the Non Communicable Disease (NCD) Challenge”

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27 Comments

  1. Francisco Telemaque
    June 23, 2015

    There are no actual steps that can be taken to stop the epidemic, in Dominica, nor that which is pandemic! I am not a medical researcher, However, I can categorically state that diabetes is basically a hereditary disease; in some people and cannot be avoided.

    I will detail heredity, I only hope DNO publish this: heredity is the genetic transmission of traits from parents to offspring; the hereditary material is contained in the ovum, and sperm, so that the child’s heredity is determined at the moment of conception. Inside the nucleus of each germ cell are structures called chromosomes.

    A chromosome is composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) on a framework of protein. Genes are segments of the DNA molecule; there are thousands of genes in each cell. Each gene caries a specific hereditary trait. These traits are physical, biochemical, and physiologic. Hence the genes affect not only the physical appearance of an individual, but also the physiologic makeup, the tendency to…

    • Francisco Telemaque
      June 23, 2015

      The physiologic makeup, the tendency to develop certain diseases, and the daily activities of all the cells of the body. The human ovum contains 23 chromosomes; the sperm also contains 23 chromosomes, and aside from the pair determining the sex, each one is similar in shape, and size to one in the ovum.

      When the sperm penetrates the ovum, the fertilized ovum thus contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, or 46 chromosomes in all. Because of limitations, I will deviate, and concentrate a bit on “inherited traits.” Although many of the details of human heredity are not known, in general we can say that the child receives a set of genes from the parent. These genes or hereditary determinants, develop into characteristics that reflects those of the parents, grandparents, and other ancestors.

      Before birth these inherited traits are influenced by conditions within the mother’s body; after birth they are shaped in various ways, by environmental influences such as diet, training, and…

      • Francisco Telemaque
        June 23, 2015

        Before birth these inherited traits are influenced by conditions within the mother’s body; after birth they are shaped in various ways, by environmental influences such as diet, training, and education. Some specific aspects of human heredity are fully understood, i. e. the inheritance of eye color. Remember that one member of a chromosome pair is contributed by one parent, and the other by another parent A gene in one chromosome acts on the same trait as a gene in the same position on the other chromosome.

        With that brief, I wish to inform Mr. Cuffy, it is one thing to be hopeful, and disseminate false hope in the process; however, in reality this false hope can never materialize, considering that diabetes is a genetic disease, and if it is in ones DNA, unless somebody in Dominica is capable of repairing that damage gene, or genes in an individual; there is no point of giving people false hope by talking things, which makes absolutely no medical and scientific…

      • Francisco Telemaque
        June 23, 2015

        There is no point of giving people false hope by talking things, which makes absolutely no medical and scientific sense whatsoever!

        There is simply no cure for diabetes at this time: unless, somebody in Dominica has the cure! There are many millions of diabetics in the world, among them are Black, White, Indian, China man, and those left out. If there was a cure, the billionaires suffering from the disease would pay for the cure! My attorney and friend is Indian, two of his brothers who were doctors, and father a lawyer died from diabetes.

        My friend a trial lawyer, one of the who is called to president case to the highest court in America is a diabetic!

        An endocrinologist who treated me told me he has been living with diabetes for more than sixty years, he died three years ago, of old age and not diabetes!

  2. D/can to de Bone (F)
    June 21, 2015

    I am happy the matter is metioned. A medical doctor in the United kingdom why is this happening in Dominica at such large scale when we are supposed to have good medical doctors and more so medical facilities and educational programme to deal with diabetes
    A number of retired Dominican who lived in England and returned home to retire and have the disease while in Dominica was told their lower limb will have yo be amputated but when to England for treatment and was told they do not have to do that. Medical persome said why this is happening Dominica . Very poor management I the health service in Dominica .

  3. June 21, 2015

    “Daily Foot Care is good for all:” What nonsense is that; when people are talking about diabetic foot care, they are talking about podiatric treatment okay! @Francisco Telemaque June 20, 2015

    Man why do continue to do this thing to yourself—showing others how foolish you are?

    Here you are rebuking the person’s message by calling it “nonsense” and saying that the news article is talking about “podiatric”. Since podiatric treatment belong to the “foot”–what is “nonsense” about pointing out the basic care of the foot, which has a lot more to do with keeping a healthy foot, than just for the protection from the harm of diabetes? Gush man!

    The person is right; he or she is clear about taking care of our feet, even without diabetes–I do all the things that person mentioned– in the first place I cannot stand dirty feet. To keep the foot clean and healthy is what PODIATRIC is about–some of us even call that person the Foot Doctor.

    • June 21, 2015

      “Say you were first informed of podiatry by Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque; a kid from Wesley!” @Francisco Telemaque—

      Yeah! This is what I call nonsense, claiming to be the first and only one to know, while the rest of us know that you do not know anything; for we know much more than you will ever come to know. The bad thing is that you do not know that we all know you. Otherwise you would know not to present yourself so foolishly, all of the time you do so. Poor, poor, you!

    • Francisco Telemaque
      June 23, 2015

      Elizabeth, I wish I could call you a damn a.. outright on DNO. My opinions; anything I write are intellectual, and scientific. I studied medicine! I majored in Health Science, no one can become a medical doctor without majoring in Health Science!

      I a did not graduate as a medical, doctor, but anything I say in regards to medicine cannot be refuted by any medical doctor; unless there is something new I do not know about!

      If you are so damn smart, describe podiatry to me in details apart from what you read I wrote, come on; let’s see how capable you are. You need to simply shut your dumb a..!

      If you believe the nonsense that person wrote, you will believe anything, you are either crazy, mad, dumb, or simply stupid! I told you already I do not write comments on DNO to be in competition with you, or anyone. If I write something and someone benefits from it, all well and good okay!

      I am not doing this to prove myself smart, because I know I am smart, and donot need your…

  4. June 21, 2015

    “Are we cutting instead of treating”. The answer is yes they have been cutting instead of treating; and have been doing so for many, many years. I am surprised that this issue is being highlighted just now.
    The truth of the matter is, Dominica does not have the medical expertise and resources to treat people with complex medical problems.
    My grandmum suffered at the hands of these butchers, before they killed her in 2011. My sister suffered at the hands of these incompetent people in 1993, before she was killed off. My dad suffered unnecceserily at the hands of the same people in 2012, before he to was killed off.
    In my view these people has blood on their hands. Whenever anyone goes to this Princess Margaret hospital, they are simply taking their lives into their own hands because the chances are you are likely get out damaged or at worse get killed.
    The level of incompetence is shocking, and no one is held responsible for this scandal.
    It is a national disgrace.

  5. The Real Facts
    June 20, 2015

    We are in the twenty-first century and I do believe we somewhat pay for progress. With due respect to doctors due to their profession, they are not dieticians and naturopathic doctors. Therefore, the Ministry of Health should do its utmost to educate D/cans especially the youths. Go to the schools to lecture them about health and proper nutrition.
    They must cease eating too much at a meal and eat some fruits and citrus, as oranges; eat leafy green vegetables; lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers (as a side salad); cease drinking pop which consist of a lot of sugar; decrease salt in foods; eliminate processed foods; drink milk and an ample amount of water daily; avoid liquor or drink very little, in moderation.
    Herb tea as basil, mint and parsley, etc. are important. Make your own from fresh, grown herbs.
    Those of you who have computers and Internet service, Google the information and benefits. There is a lot of relevant information over the Internet.

  6. Fr. Franklyn Cuffy,
    June 20, 2015

    I read the International Diabetes Federation report on Dominica that there were 5300 diabetes cases in Dominic in 2014. The feature speaker, Dr. Portia Meade, Specialist Medical Officer, at the Diabetes Annual General Meeting confirmed this fact when in her key note address stated that there are between 8% to 10% People living with Diabetes in the Population of Dominica. I find this alarming indeed, and should be a concerned of all.
    Let us take a Step to Stop this epidemic.
    A Diabetes Advocate.

  7. imperial prince
    June 19, 2015

    I think we need some special program that our fellow country men will want to engage in exercise or active activities. Right now we seem amotivated, especially towards active practices. Is it some stigma or what? Not walking, not running, muchless more intense activities. Question can we reduce the risk factors? Do we have the foods suitable to cut back on our excessive starchy fods? Yes. Do we have the monitoring, screening system in every corner of the island? To a certain extent. No level of talk and warnings can be as effective as individuals taking charge of their health. Do we love our selves? Insulin dependent aka diabestes mellitus type 1 is caused due to autobodies destruction of beta cells in pancreas, the cells which synthesize insulin. So no insulin, hence insulin shots. Type 2 has insulin, but there is resistance to the insulin or insulin receptors by the body. So treatment of choice would be oral
    hyoglycemic agents…. like metformin and the others. Each with unique…

  8. silversliver
    June 19, 2015

    The number of people on dialysis, and/or with amputations in Dominica is shocking. The most important question is why, and what does this say about our primary health care? Education is indeed the most important tool, but something is not working properly. These patients seem to need additional help and support in monitoring, and better managing their condition. This should be where emphasis should be placed, because it is much cheaper to prevent the complications th an to treat them! In addition to the economic benefits, the real goal is to mantain quality of life!! Obviously, the goals are not being met, time to up the gears and rev up things!

  9. forreal
    June 19, 2015

    when I read these stories it breaks my heart,the rastas of dominica had this sayings(,men dig there graves with there own teeths)dominica is blessed with the most rich fertile soil one would find,the people could lead healthy lives of fresh fruits and vegetables like the rastas where trying to teach,but instead they were criticized and ostracized,now it’s sad to see,they were so right,the stone that the builder rejected,is actually the head corner stone,we saw them as skinner and have no strength,but what strength we have gained,nothing but diseases and complications,there is still hope people go back to the roots,live a rasta diet.

    • forreal
      June 19, 2015

      and I remember miss burmingham as a teacher at Roseau boys school,she’s still beautiful and intelligent,she’s a true legend,thanks for your service to our people and country miss burmingham

  10. anonymous2
    June 19, 2015

    There are definitely too many amputations being done which leave the recipient unable to work a decent job….. if one can be found.
    It is virtually impossible to change the behaviors of the adults when it comes to sugar consumption. The children, if they are taught properly might actually take it in, although candy is always a tempation.

    • June 20, 2015

      Adults can still take stock by better eating habits remember all foods that we eat have sugar so it’s the amount that should be looked at eating right is the way to go, Also a good nutristion is very important , sometimes a person have to be put on diet and that is to help them learn how to take care of themselves, some folks believe that sugar in tea etc is what gives them diabetes, and again it comes down to education about the diseases

  11. Shaka zulu
    June 19, 2015

    Too many dumplings, white bread, dasheen, and yam especially in evening and too little excersise.

  12. June 19, 2015

    More education is needed to help the public understand what DIABETES is all about there are so many topic to cover and I do believe arranging for workshops in every Village would be in the peoples best interest, the last time I was home I was surprised how little was been said the Health department must come out and help those that are trying to educate the people, the health workers need help.

    Daily Foot Care is good for all:
    Wash your feet in warm water, using a mild soap. Don’t soak your feet, as this can dry your skin .
    Dry your feet carefully, especially between your toes
    Thoroughly check your feet and between your toes to make sure there are no cuts, cracks, ingrown toenails, blisters, etc
    Wear fresh, clean socks and well fitting shoes every day . Whenever possible wear white socks, if you have a cut or sore the blood or pus will be easy to see, So much more to learn about the Prevention of Diabetes.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      June 20, 2015

      “Daily Foot Care is good for all:”

      What nonsense is that; when people are talking about diabetic foot care, they are talking about podiatric treatment okay! Podiatry ; chiropody is a specialized field of medicine dealing with the study, and care of the foot; including its anatomy, pathology, medical, and surgical treatment.

      Say you were first informed of podiatry by Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque; a kid from Wesley!

      When we do not know what we are talking about we need to be quiet. If we do not have a single doctor in Dominica specializing in endocrinology, how many podiatrists you expect to find in that backward place of ours?

      • June 20, 2015

        I’m not sure if you understand about preventing or managing diabetes ,, I can speak about it because I have the schooling, education, , knowledge and training but as I’ve said their are so much more to learn about the disease
        Try to do better homework before you comment next time.. it’s Prevention and Managing Diabetes that is on the front burner Governments is other countries are dumping money and man power into educating the masses especially in the younger and the elderly generations.

    • The Real Facts
      June 20, 2015

      I also heard on a Toronto Radio Station, cream in-between your toes and also your toes. I realize in D/ca the weather is warm; not cold and cream may not be necessary. Nevertheless the cream keeps the toes and in-between them moist. This should be one of the forms of prevention, not allowing the toes to dry so that they are not prone to blisters which later may look like a cut/sore which will get worst and be incurable.

      • Francisco Telemaque
        June 23, 2015

        Because I cannot respond to that idiot under his piece of trash, I will do it through your link, all of the idiots who are talking about prevention of diabetes, I would like just one to explain to me how can they prevent a disease that is genetic?

        Diabetics are advised to dry between the toes when the bath, but how many people do you know who takes a bath, or a shower and does not dry between their toes, unless the came out of one of Dominica rivers, stand in the sun and dry off?

        Now there is no need to talk about foot care unless there are symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

        Symptoms are:
        Tingling of the feet; numbness which becomes permanent; burning especially in the evening, and pain. Early symptoms get better when the blood glucose is controlled, there are medications which relieve the discomfort: that is when you personally check feet legs, toe-nails everyday, and it is time to visit the podiatrist!

  13. MR Dominica
    June 19, 2015

    I agree that there is a stigma attached to diabetes when one looks back to the days when a few people had the desease and were referd to as having sweet piss which resulted in this being kept a secret .Even now that more people are affected the word pissa doo is being used on DBS radio during the afternoon creol program and personaly i think this is disgusting coming fom people i think are educated and should know better.

  14. Francisco Telemaque
    June 19, 2015

    You people keep signing the same song over and over again. The people who suffer from hyperglycemia, need to take full responsibility for themselves!

    There is no mystery to the treatment of diabetes, insulin is the best, and most appropriate treatment for high glucose in the blood. Once a patient is diagnosed and treatment proscribe, the individual must be regimental about their medication, and the food they eat! One can take all the known medication, for treating diabetes, unless they stop over indulging in the starchy food they eat amputation will continue.

    On the other hand, Dominicans like to talk about drinking “bush” for the sickness, all nonsense; no bush tea in Dominica can cure or treat diabetes. One suffering from diabetes feels no pain, nevertheless, living with a high volume of glucose in the system not only affects the lower extremities, it damages the eyes, kidney’s, and the heart.

    By the time it gets to a point where the lower extremities have to be…

    • Francisco Telemaque
      June 19, 2015

      By the time it gets to a point where the lower extremities have to be amputated, the person is almost dead! Apart from my scientific, and medical knowledge of the disease , I am diabetic, I have lived with the problem all of my life, however I was diagnosed in 1990. The same symptoms I had when I was about seven (7) year old, are the same symptoms I suffered in 1990. I am living with the disease,I am insulin dependent, I take insulin four times per day, However, unless I told some I cannot eat such ad such because I am hyperglycemic they will never detect I am living with this disease.

      My vision is 2020, I’ve had some problems with my heart: problem may be caused by diabetes, since diabetes is an progressive disease, however, damages can be minimized!

      If a person has diabetes, and they sit and drink rum, all day, and eat dashine, yam tanya, and all the starchy foods including white (Irish) potato, and sweet potato, amputation becomes inevitable

  15. calpit
    June 19, 2015

    Its a very common disease in Dominica therefore its important the ministry of health educate people and keep informing the public on a regular basis in relation to the food/drinks we take in, staying active is also important. most things that taste nice in the mouth is not good for the inside…

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