The growing diabetes crisis in Jamaica and the Caribbean

Diabetes has become one of the most pressing non-communicable diseases affecting Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region. According to data from the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 12.5 per cent of Jamaican adults aged 20 to 79 are living with diabetes, representing an estimated 235,600 people nationwide.

The burden of diabetes is closely linked to the rise of obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary patterns high in processed carbohydrates and sugar. Regional public health agencies warn that the disease is contributing significantly to premature deaths and long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and amputations.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness reports that diabetes remains a major cause of illness and mortality in Jamaica and has historically ranked among the leading causes of death, particularly among women.

Across the wider region, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) estimates that more than 35 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean are living with diabetes, with the numbers expected to increase significantly in the coming years as populations age and lifestyles become more sedentary.

PAHO data also shows that approximately 13.1 per cent of adults in the Americas were living with diabetes in 2022, highlighting the scale of the epidemic affecting Caribbean populations.

Functional medicine physician Dr Orlando Thomas explains that type 2 diabetes is fundamentally a disorder of insulin regulation rather than simply a disease of high blood sugar.

“Type 2 diabetes is not simply a sugar problem; it is an insulin problem. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, setting the stage for metabolic disease,” he said.

According to Dr Thomas, years of excessive sugar consumption, refined carbohydrates, and metabolic stress can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where cells no longer respond effectively to insulin.

“The pancreas produces insulin to help move glucose into cells for energy. But when cells stop responding properly, the body compensates by producing even more insulin. Over time this cycle leads to metabolic dysfunction and eventually diabetes,” he said.

Dr Thomas indicated that in many cases type 2 diabetes is reversible or significantly improvable, particularly in its early stages. His approach focuses on addressing the underlying metabolic imbalance.

“Type 2 diabetes develops over many years, but the body also has an incredible capacity to heal when we remove the drivers of insulin resistance,” he said.

He explains that a 90-day metabolic reset can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.

“Ninety days is a powerful timeframe because it allows the body to reset hormonal signalling, reduce inflammation, and restore insulin sensitivity through consistent lifestyle changes,” Dr Thomas said.

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE 90-DAY REVERSAL STRATEGY:

1. Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates

The fastest way to lower insulin levels is to reduce the constant intake of refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks. These foods drive insulin spikes and keep the body in fat-storage mode.

2. Improve insulin sensitivity through nutrition

Dr Thomas encourages a diet focused on whole foods. “Real food is medicine. When we prioritize vegetables, healthy fats, lean protein, and fibre-rich foods, the body begins to stabilise blood sugar naturally.”

3. Intermittent fasting and metabolic reset

Periods of fasting give insulin levels time to fall. This allows the body to begin burning stored fat and improves insulin sensitivity.

4. Physical activity

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for reversing insulin resistance. When muscles contract during movement, they absorb glucose from the bloodstream even without insulin.

5. Stress and sleep management

Chronic stress raises cortisol, which drives blood sugar higher. Quality sleep and stress reduction are essential components of metabolic healing.

Public health experts continue to stress the urgency of addressing lifestyle-driven diseases across the Caribbean. Diabetes is closely linked with other non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.

In Jamaica, national surveys have shown rising rates of overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity, which are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Health officials warn that without significant lifestyle and policy changes; diabetes could continue to strain healthcare systems and reduce life expectancy across the region.

Dr Thomas believes public education is critical. “The tragedy of type 2 diabetes is that it is largely preventable and often reversible. When people understand the role of insulin, nutrition, and lifestyle, they gain the power to take back control of their health,” he said.

He adds that early intervention is key. “The earlier we address insulin resistance, the easier it is to restore metabolic health.”

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com