KINGSTON, Jamaica — Renowned United Kingdom-based diabetes advocate Tony Kelly told Jamaican insurance executives and their guests recently that diabetes is too often dismissed as merely “just a little sugar’, as he urged them to take the non-communicable disease (NCD) seriously.

Speaking recently at the Mico University College at a forum, Kelly, who is here at the invitation of Jamaica Medical Foundation (JMF), said unmanaged diabetes can lead to severe complications and even death, as he highlighted the serious health consequences associated with uncontrolled diabetes, including cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations.

He encouraged Jamaicans to pay close attention to what he described as the “Four Ts” — tiredness, frequent toilet visits, excessive thirst, and getting thinner — as warning signs that warrant immediate medical consultation and testing for diabetes.

He stressed, too, that individuals with a family history of diabetes should be especially vigilant.

The diabetes advocate said healthy living is key and underscored the importance of regular physical activity and urged his audience to take control of what they eat by preparing healthier meals at home, instead of consuming food at fast food outlets.

At the same time, he strongly encouraged Jamaicans to get tested for the disease and take proactive steps toward managing their health.

In the 90-minute presentation, Kelly told the audience that he has managed and kept under control his diabetes for more than two decades, which has not led to other diseases or amputation because he followed strict orders to eat properly and exercise as instructed by his doctor.

Approximately 12.5 per cent of Jamaican adults, aged 20 to 79, or more than 235,000 people, are living with diabetes, as of 2024.

This is a more than 40 per cent increase when compared to figures in 2017. Unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and obesity were said to be the main factors pushing up the rate of diabetes, which is among the leading causes of death in Jamaica.

Kelly’s visit was part of a public health education initiative hosted by the JMF, in partnership with the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Jamaica.

The foundation also staged a similar diabetes health education forum at Manchester Parish Church Hall in Mandeville on May 14, while another is scheduled for Montego Bay at Harmony Beach Park on May 29, starting at 8:00 am.

“The events are in honour of the late Dr Winston “Winty” Davidson, former director of the foundation, who passed away two years ago and was deeply enthusiastic about public health education,” said the JMF.

During the launch event held at Mico University College, a special presentation was made to Dr Davidson’s widow, Dr Sonia Davidson, by Chairman Emeritus of the Foundation, Dr Oliver Jones.

Foundation chairman Orville Johnson expressed gratitude to the event’s main sponsor, Guardian Life⁠ Ltd, as well as associate sponsors, Cari-Med, National Health Fund and the Ministry of Health and Wellness for their continued support.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Mr Tony Kelly struggled with diabetes for over two decades and that he took medication to manage the disease. We regret the error.