Trinidad and Tobago is facing a significant challenge as the country grapples with a high incidence of diabetes, surpassing the global average. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh highlighted the Ministry of Health's efforts to encourage individuals with diabetes to adopt essential lifestyle changes and adhere to prescribed medication during the Diabetes Association of TT's (DATT) Carlton Phillips Diabetes Symposium held at the University of West Indies (UWI), St Augustine Campus.

According to Deyalsingh, Trinidad and Tobago currently has a 15 percent incidence of diabetes, which is higher than the global average of 10 percent. Acknowledging the personal experience of living with Type 2 diabetes himself, Deyalsingh emphasized the importance of making positive changes in one's life to manage the disease. These changes can include avoiding sugary drinks such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, as well as reducing the consumption of high-sugar foods like ice cream.

However, the Health Minister expressed concerns regarding the lack of compliance among individuals with diabetes. Despite the Ministry's substantial investment in providing medication, Deyalsingh noted that many people were not taking their prescribed drugs. This non-compliance poses a significant obstacle to reducing the impact of diabetes on individuals' lives.

During the symposium, participants shared their personal experiences and highlighted various issues related to diabetes management. One attendee, a young Type 2 diabetic, expressed the stigma she faced due to her diagnosis and its detrimental effects on her mental health. She called for healthcare workers to be more mindful of the language they use when interacting with individuals with diabetes, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and support.

Another participant emphasized the importance of education within schools and religious institutions to raise awareness about diabetes and its management. In response, Deyalsingh stated that efforts were already underway to incorporate diabetes education into these settings.

The symposium also addressed the significance of mental wellness for individuals with diabetes. However, it was acknowledged that the public health system may not be able to provide sufficient resources to support the mental health needs of the approximately 10,000 individuals seeking assistance. Attendees were referred to the Ministry's FindCareTT website for information on available services.

Moreover, participants highlighted the need for better education regarding medications and their potential side effects. It was noted that some patients did not fully understand the purpose of their prescribed medication, leading to inconsistent usage. Deyalsingh questioned why individuals with diabetes continued to consume sugary drinks, such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, instead of water, despite being aware of its detrimental effects. The audience unanimously agreed that sugar provided a temporary sense of comfort.

Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Dr. Brian Cockburn, explained that the craving for sweetness was a natural human instinct, rooted in our evolutionary survival instincts. Breaking free from sugar addiction can be challenging due to this biological response.

The symposium also focused on the theme of Diabetes Awareness Month: "Access to Diabetes Care: Know Your Risk, Know Your Response." Dr. Andrew Dhanoo, President of the Diabetes Association, emphasized the importance of understanding both non-modifiable risk factors like age, genetics, and ethnicity, as well as controllable factors such as smoking, stress, eating habits, and physical activity levels.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, Pan-American Health Organization representative, Dr. Michelle Harris called on the government and the Ministry of Health to address the obesogenic environment, which contributes to the escalating rates of obesity and, consequently, diabetes. Harris revealed that TT had the third-highest death rate in the region due to diabetes in 2019, preceded by Mexico and Guyana.

Trinidad and Tobago faces an urgent need to tackle rising diabetes rates through comprehensive education, awareness campaigns, and accessible healthcare services. Only by addressing these challenges can the country effectively reduce the burden of this chronic disease on its population.

(Note: The information used in this news article is based on the provided context and may not reflect the complete picture of the issue at hand.)