Dominica will be able to strengthen its diabetic retinopathy screening and treatment programmes within its public health system, following a workshop held here on Thursday.
‘The Caribbean Diabetic Retinopathy Screening and Treatment Programme Workshop’ was hosted by the Ministry of Health and Environment in collaboration with the Caribbean Council for the Blind and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust.
It is also being expected to lead to a reduction in the incidence of blindness due to Diabetic Retinopathy.
Hospital Medical Director, Dr. Ruby Blanc who represented Health Minister Dr. Kenneth Darroux said at the opening ceremony held at the Fort Young Hotel that non-communicable disease has become of the island’s major health concern.
“Non-Communicable Diseases or NCD’s, such as diabetes and cardio vascular diseases, are on the rise and have become a major public health concern in Dominica along with many other countries in the region and the world,” she said.
According to her these conditions have contributed to a dramatic change in the mobility and mortality profile of Dominica and are, “a leading cause of hospital admissions, loss of productivity.”
“The increase in incidents of NCD’s can be attributed at least in fact, to preventable and modifiable risk factors as well as the increase in our life’s expectancy,” Dr. Blanc noted.
She indicated that the country must respond aggressively to avert a major impact on the country’s economy as it relates to NCD’s.
“Health is everybody’s business, from government policy all the way to the individual choices that we make regarding lifestyle habits,” Dr. Blanc noted.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Caribbean Council for the Blind, Arvel Grant said that Dominica has played a key role in advancing the screening of diabetic retinopathy for more than ten years.
He described diabetes as a profound and significant threat to human civilization.
“More than 350-million persons around the world have diabetes, and of that number close to 105-million or 30 percent of them have some degree of retinopathy…,” Grant explained. “In the context of that $105 million another 20 percent or about 20 million of those persons could benefit…”
I suppose the one thing diabetics fear most is the loss of their eye sight.
This is a reasonable concern when 30% of diabetics have some degree retinopathy.
I am a diabetic. So far I am controlling it with pills. The possibility of losing my vision concerns me but my trust is in God. So far there is no evidence of retinopathy.
It is commendable that Dominica’s Ministry of Health recognizes the problem and is providing solid help for those suffering from diabetes. Now diabetics must avail themselves of the education that is available and apply it to their advantage.
I had a friend who lost his licenses to drive a car and fly a plane due to diabetes. When something like this happens I expect a man wishes he had tried harder to follow the rules. I accept this as a warning and encourage others to do the same.
My appreciation goers out to all the individuals who are dedicated to fighting this disease and helping its victims.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist…
Mr. Hill don’t worry to much, as long as you continue to monitor your eyes, any issue which develops will be caught early and can be treated. I would like to suggest you start taking insulin the sooner.
The pill you are taking are from the sulfonylures group of medication; a class of chemical compounds that includes the oral hypoglycemic agents: acetohexamide, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, and tolazamide. All the medication in that group become ineffective in a very short space of time.
Sometimes in less than two years, the body builds up a resistance to the medication, and rejects it. That is not the case with insulin, especially the abundance of human insulin as I am an using. Note diabetes is a progressive disease, and you will eventually need insulin to control it. I am having some problem with cataract right now, I had one removed in my left eye, in June, it took until last week to see clearly, due to complications, such as a swollen retina which did not completely recede…
‘tolazamide, and tolazamide.’
That should read “tolazamide, and tolbutamide!”
I didn’t read that Rev. Hill wrote what type of medication he’s taking, Sulfonylurea or other. Did he tell you through some other medium? And how do you know if or when he’ll need insulin?
Rev. Hill, let not this man scare you.
Admin I believe when some idiot attacks me regarding matters that I am over familiar with, as one with a medical bacground, I should have the right to put that person in the place. I responded to Mr. Hill comments, if he did no like my response, I believe he is capable of confronting me, and voice his opinions in regards to what I said.
If he is not if he is not offended why should a fictitious nobody start rattling off on me?
Every comment I made on the matter I learnt in medical school! If that person knows more about the subject than I do, they should write their mane on your site, and debate me on any medical issues and medication; that person had better have a doctorate in medicine practicing medicine before he/she contend with me!
We are not supposed to be biased if you allow someone to attack me I should be able to defend and put that person in their place! It is you site, but we are in a democracy!
I had one removed in my left eye, in June, it took until last week to see clearly, due to complications, such as a swollen retina which did not completely recede until three or four days ago.
I am getting ready to have the one in my right eye removed after the 19th of this month.
Your dumb behind had better mind your business, did I say he told me what medication he is using. If you had the medical knowledge that I have you idiot would have know where it pertains to taking pill, as a hypoglycemic medication (glucose lowering) medication, your dumb behind would know one is limited to that group of medication only!
Shut up you idiot, and mind you business. If you are privy to any other group print you damn name and disclose the medication you know in pill form other than those I named otherwise shut up fool you piece of nobody who the heck you think you talking to!
This education begins from childhood to adulthood. The schools should also play a part.
Teach them proper nutrition. The authorities know what is required to avoid this illness. It could enable them to avoid having diabetes and also high blood pressure. Some people have both of them. Two are more disastrous to the health.
Facts, I am not disputing the fact that proper neutron, and diet are very essential; however, that cannot prevent diabetes in those who are predisposed to the disease. In the first place it is known that diabetes is caused by a damaged gene; some researchers believe it is caused by a virus. I do not believe the virus scenario, and I do not wish to get into that science.
Reason: If diabetes is a heredity disease caused by a damage gene, the evidence is overwhelming since it usually skips generations. I was born diabetic; they diagnosed me as type Il in 1990, nevertheless, the symptoms I had in 1990, I lived with all of my life, way back when I was a Child. Now I have biological children, not one of them has the disease. However, one of my daughters son, twenty-three years old is hypoglycemic; yours truly was hypoglycemic, prior to be coming hyperglycemic. So right there the disease has already started skipping among my generation.
And by the way trauma, and dramatic events…
And by the way trauma, and dramatic events can trigger the disease also!
If that is the case tell me which human alive; and what type of neutron and diet one may utilize that you or any authority can implement to cure diabetes? It is in the DNA of those of us who live and struggle with the disease everyday. So the idea, that diet and neutron will prevent this and that is baloney!
I assure you; once you are diagnosed, the only alternative is to follow a strict regiment of the medication proscribe, along with a balance diet, and exercise. I would also advise the quicker the patient gets on insulin it is the longer they will survive living in almost perfect health!
And let me say this, it not only a matter of looking on a glucose monitor and assure one is between the range of 80 mg to 125 mg plus or minus 5 mg; it is very essential to maintain a hemoglobin rate of 5; beyond that it is like walking around with 300 – 400 mg plus glucose in ones system daily: when that happens…
when that happens the person is at risks of developing heart, and kidney problems, in addition to diabetic retinopathy, and all the rest that follows including amputations and blindness!
As for the one who suggest I write quotes, in order to site where my information came from, be advised I have a medical background as a medical school student dropout! I am professionally an Electronic/Electrical Engineer, so no need to worry about my academia, I am academically educated.
Ms. Nanda Matthew was the dedicated ophthalmic technologist who screened the diabetics over the last 10 years . By taking photos of the back of their eyes she was able to detect those with diabetic retinopathy. The affected diabetics were referred for further assessment and treatment by the Ophthalmologist. Early identification and treatment prevents blindness. The impact of this service was the basis of the proposal submitted to the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust. As a result funding was secured to implement fundus photography screening and treatment of diabetic retinopathy in Jamaica, Belize and St Lucia and strengthing of the programme in Dominica. Ms. Matthew you travelled round the island working with the nurses in Primary Health. Congratulations and you are encouraged to continue doing your best .
Dominicans are always late and whenever they come along they make it appears as if we are first, with all the crap I read I have not read an explanation of what causes Diabetic retinopathy, and what someone with diabetes can do to reduce the risks.
Well kid Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque knows a lot about it, and will give some details: Diabetic retinopathy are damage retina in ones eye, caused by week blood vessels as a result of diabetes. High glucose levels that occur due to diabetes damage blood vessels. Over time, this damage spreads to all parts of the body. In diabetic retinopathy, the damage bold vessels leading to the retina start to leak blood and swell.
this condition can eventually lead to blindness, signs and symptoms includes cloudy vision, blurred vision, and floaters in the field of vision It is important to not when one sees floaters they may appear as a small black fly or other objects floating or flying to eyes, one may also see circles of flicking lights…
In any event dark spots, and poor night vision. The fluids and blood that leaks from the blood vessels accumulates in the lens, causing swelling, and inhibiting the ability of the eye to focus.
People with diabetic retinopathy can treat this condition by managing their blood glucose (sugar) levels, by exercising regularly, and keeping to a healthy diet. The diabetic also need to remember to take their prescribe medication; those who smoke need to stop (quit), and avoid alcohol as much as possible. Because earliest need to have their tested (checked) by an eye specialists regularly, at least twice per year with a dilated eye examine to catch the condition in its early stage.
Treatment: One may not need treatment for diabetic retinopathy unless it has affected the macula of the retina or, in rare cases, if one side (peripheral) vision has been severely damaged. Nevertheless one do need to have their vision checked regularly. If the macula has been damaged by macular edema,one…
If the macula has been damaged by macular edema, one may need laser treatment. For more severe retinopathy, the person may need either laser treatment or vitrectomy.
These procedures can help prevent, stabilize, or slow vision loss when the they are done before the retina has been severely damaged. newer treatment include medicine such as anti-VEGF medicine, or steroids that are injected into the eye. Surgical removal of vitreous gel is done when there is bleeding (vitreous hemorrhage) or retinal detachment, which are rare in people with early stage retinopathy; vitrectomy is also done when severe scar tissue has formed.
Treatment for diabetic retinopathy is often very effective in preventing, delaying, or reducing vision loss; however it is not a cure for the disease. Persons who have been treated for such disease must monitor themselves frequently by an eye specialists, because that practice is out of the scope of a general practitioner, or some quack who calls themselves…
Quack, who calls themselves doctor, because many people with diabetic retinopathy need to be treated more than once. It would be a wise to visit an endocrinologists regularly if the re are any in Dominica.
“this condition can eventually lead to blindness, signs and symptoms includes cloudy vision, blurred vision, and floaters in the field of vision. ** * (It is important to not when one sees floaters they may appear as a small black fly or other objects floating or flying to eyes, one may also see circles of flicking lights…”)***
The following should actually read: “It is important to ‘note’ when one sees floaters, they may appear as a small black fly or other objects floating, or flying in front ones eye of face. One also see circles of flicking lights.”
1st thing we Dominicans need to do is to watch our DIET, keep blood sugar levels within the normal range and control our blood pressure….WAYYY too many of us are obese, diabetic, hypertensive, with heart and kidney problems. The Health Department, Community Health Centers, Hospitals and even private offices, Health personnel, Doctors, Nurses alike, and each one us plays a role, and really need to educate and emphasize to EVERYBODY the importance of checking and keeping blood sugar levels normal and the risks if it’s not well controlled. We’ve reached a point where the nation is in diabetic and high blood pressure crisis and stringent enforcement of BLOOD SUGAR/ DIABETIC SCREENING is needed routinely, especially high risk people, even if it’s a broken finger they came to fix….Check their blood sugar!! We CANNOT wait or allow our blood sugar levels to be so high for so long that we reach the point of having to deal with the horrors of diabetic complications, such as diabetic…
……PREVENTION IS CURE…early screening, early diagnosis, early treatment…change in diet, increased exercise, change in lifestyle and/or with the help of medication. I know many of us hate to have to take medication everyday, or just too stubborn to change our bad habits….but I’d say, having to take an injection or a pill or two, or more importantly changing my diet by cutting down on certain foods and drinks, and exercising…is much better and easier for my life than to have to end up losing a foot, my eyesight, or WORSE! Don’t you think?! Let us be our brother’s keeper…the change begins with U!
****to deal with the horrors of diabetic complications, such as diabetic retinopathy***
Take a look at the panel – One in every three is fat. Shouldn’t be, my beloved.
Stay away from de salt people!!!! Don’t eat de Kent Turkey coz it be loaded with artificial salt (sodium). Don’t eat de Chinese food either. I see so many big and inflated peoples in Dominica! Oh my my. People don’t walk no more. When I was growing up, in my village only two fat peoples. Nowadays size large clothes is too small for many – They way past XTRA Large. Some cannot find braziers to fit them. Their stomach on their knees.