Over 4000 persons estimated to be living with diabetes in VI
This was disclosed by Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) during this message to mark World Diabetes Day 2025 on Friday, November 14, 2025, which was held under the theme ‘Diabetes Across Life Stages’.
“Diabetes remains one of the most significant health challenges affecting our Territory and the wider Caribbean. It is estimated that over 4,000 people in the Virgin Islands are living with diabetes, many of whom are still undiagnosed,” he said.
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2025, he added, highlights the reality that diabetes affects people from all walks of life and doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender and background.
“That is why it calls for a unified and comprehensive response from all of us.”
Health Ministry working to address diabetes in VI
Hon Wheatley added that through his ministry, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to preventing diabetes, strengthening early detection, and ensuring equitable access to care and treatment for all who need it.
These include expanding community-based programmes, including the BVI Moves initiative; strengthening primary health care services to deliver timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care; ensuring consistent availability of essential medicines and insulin across health facilities; promoting healthy lifestyle education in schools, workplaces and communities, supported by tools such as the BVI Eat Well Guide and the Red Loud Campaign; and supporting persons living with diabetes through counselling, nutrition guidance, and self-management programmes.
“These efforts reflect our national commitment to a life-course approach that supports good health from childhood through adulthood, and into the senior years,” Hon Wheatley explained.
Everyone should get screened
The Minister said while diabetes is a serious condition, it is not without hope as Type 2 Diabetes is largely preventable through simple, daily actions such as eating healthy, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco use.
“I encourage every resident, regardless of age, to get screened so that you are aware of your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other important health indicators, and can take proactive steps to protect your health.”
He also urged families, schools, churches, and community groups to serve as champions for healthy living, inspiring and supporting one another in making healthier choices.
“To every person living with diabetes, you are not alone. The Government of the Virgin Islands stands with you, and we are working to ensure that the care, medicines, and support you need remain within your reach.”
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26 Responses to “Over 4000 persons estimated to be living with diabetes in VI”
Go to one of their events, what food and drinks do the same diabetes society serve and still appear to be against diabetes? How many people have they ever helped to get off of insulin or do they stick to the medical book that it cannot reverse?
Maybe one of them can answer and then push to do better. Knowledge is power. The truth seem to somehow rub people the wrong way and so it easier to tell them what they want to hear and let them have early funerals
Come after me now and continue to suffer in peace
On the issue of diabetes, please do not do the right exercises and turn around and eat and drink a set of mess which will defeat the purpose.
Pasty rice, of all colors, starchy roots foods- Tania, potato, Daschene, and the likes;
Heavy meats, sugars of all kinds, to include honey;
And, lack of physical activity- the constant need to drive,
- All contributing factors to this disease!
Moderation, is, the key here!
Many persons here in the USVI, put their cars in permanent park , and walked away this disease from their lives!
Perhaps, this is the way to go!
All you said about processed food is true as well.
Good points and encouraging comment
Life ain all about rum,weed and partying. Health gonna catch up at some point.
Exercise and eat good mix of foods not just rice all and fry food all the time...
For high diabetes drink moringa
But keep chk as it can send it very low
Christmas is coming and we going be arguing about tarts. See who out the group is announced in the orrbituary after the season and guess why. That sugar taking people to majesty faster but we going choose thr cake ans the tart and pattay