GREAT BAY--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Claret Connor has warned that diabetes is increasingly affecting younger adults and children, stressing that the disease must no longer be regarded as a condition primarily affecting older persons. Speaking at the World Diabetes Day observance at the Belair Community Center on Saturday, November 14, the Minister called for greater attention to early detection, prevention, healthier lifestyles and sustained public education, while emphasizing that the consequences of diabetes can be devastating when the condition is not properly managed.
Connor explained that a diagnosis at a young age can mean decades of living with a disease capable of damaging the eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves and other vital organs. He expressed particular concern about Type 2 diabetes being diagnosed at younger ages, warning that the long-term consequences can significantly affect a person's quality of life and independence.
The Minister shared the example of a young woman he personally knows who is already experiencing eyesight problems because of diabetes. While declining to disclose her personal circumstances, he explained that her experience demonstrates how serious complications can affect individuals who still have much of their lives ahead of them.
"Imagine being young, having your whole life ahead of you, and suddenly having to confront complications that threaten something as precious as your eyesight," Connor told participants. He emphasized that these are real experiences faced by people living with diabetes and demonstrate why the disease cannot be ignored, postponed or taken lightly.
The Minister also cautioned against assuming that the absence of symptoms means a person is healthy, explaining that diabetes can develop silently while causing damage to the body. Individuals may live with elevated blood sugar levels without knowing it, and by the time certain symptoms become noticeable, complications may already have begun developing.
Connor stressed that regular health checks, blood glucose testing and appropriate medical follow-up are essential to identifying risks before they lead to more serious consequences. He urged residents not to wait until they feel sick before consulting healthcare professionals, noting that early detection provides an opportunity to take action and better manage the condition.
"Know your numbers. Know your family history. Ask questions. Get screened," the Minister urged, emphasizing that understanding personal risk factors and taking advantage of screening opportunities are important steps toward protecting long-term health.
While early detection remains essential, Connor said prevention must receive equal attention, beginning in homes and extending through schools, workplaces, communities and public institutions. He called for greater efforts to encourage healthier food choices, reduce excessive sugar consumption, promote drinking water instead of sugary beverages, increase physical activity and support healthy body weight management.
The Minister also encouraged residents to avoid tobacco use, make informed lifestyle choices and undergo regular medical check-ups, particularly where there is a family history of diabetes or other risk factors. He stressed that healthier habits should become part of everyday living rather than temporary adjustments made only after a medical diagnosis.
However, Connor acknowledged that encouraging healthier lifestyles requires more than simply advising people to change their eating habits or exercise more frequently. He emphasized that individuals must have practical opportunities to make those changes, including access to healthier food options and environments that support physical activity.
"Prevention is not simply about telling people what they should or should not eat. It is about creating an environment in which healthier choices are accessible, affordable and practical," the Minister stated.
He called for greater cooperation among parents, schools, healthcare providers, community organizations and government to help children understand healthy eating and physical activity from an early age. Establishing these habits during childhood, he explained, is an important part of developing a healthier population and reducing preventable health risks.
For residents already living with diabetes, Connor emphasized that the focus must extend beyond prevention to ensuring access to appropriate treatment, medication, monitoring, information and ongoing support. He stressed that people managing the disease should have the resources and healthcare services needed to protect their well-being and maintain their quality of life.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of recognizing diabetes as a condition that can affect multiple organs and require coordinated medical care. He noted that the World Diabetes Day event was particularly valuable because it brought together healthcare professionals from several specialties to explain the different ways diabetes can affect the body and how complications may be prevented or managed.
The day's educational sessions addressed nephrology and kidney health, outpatient care and dialysis prevention, the relationship between dental health and diabetes, district nursing, occupational wellness, nutrition and dietary guidance, and medical podiatry and foot care. Connor emphasized that these areas should not be considered separate medical concerns, but interconnected aspects of comprehensive diabetes care and overall well-being.
Participants were encouraged to take advantage of the health screenings and information available throughout the day, including blood glucose checks, kidney testing, nutritional guidance, foot care advice and dental health information. The Minister commended those who attended to receive screenings, ask questions or learn more about the disease, describing their participation as an important investment in their health and future.
Connor expressed appreciation to the St. Maarten Lions Club, Collective Prevention Services (CPS), the Diabetes Foundation of St. Maarten and the Dialysis Department of French St. Martin for organizing and supporting the initiative. He also acknowledged the speakers, healthcare professionals and specialists who contributed their knowledge and expertise to the event.
The Minister emphasized that collaboration among healthcare institutions, community organizations and government is essential because no single organization or ministry can adequately address the challenges associated with diabetes. He encouraged the participating organizations to continue strengthening their partnerships, expanding public education and supporting accessible services that place prevention and early detection at the forefront.
He also thanked healthcare professionals for their continued commitment to improving the health of residents, recognizing that many perform their duties under demanding circumstances. Their knowledge, compassion and dedication, he explained, make a difference not only in the lives of individual patients but also in the wider community.
Beyond the immediate activities of World Diabetes Day, Connor stressed that public education and awareness must continue throughout the year. He warned against allowing the importance of diabetes prevention and management to fade once the annual observance has passed, particularly when serious complications continue to affect individuals and families across St. Maarten.
The Minister called for regular conversations about diabetes in homes, schools, churches, workplaces and communities, encouraging residents to share information and remind one another about the importance of screenings, prevention and personal health responsibility. He emphasized that changing attitudes toward diabetes requires consistent public engagement rather than occasional awareness campaigns.
"We must sound this message every chance we get," Connor stated, urging residents and community organizations to continue raising awareness about the disease and its consequences.
He further warned that the community should not wait until more young people experience vision problems, kidney complications or other serious health consequences before giving diabetes the attention it deserves. He called for a stronger culture of prevention in which health education, screening and responsible lifestyle choices become normal parts of everyday life.
"Let us move from awareness to action, from information to prevention, and from occasional health campaigns to a consistent culture of health consciousness," the Minister urged.
As Minister responsible for Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Connor reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote prevention, encourage early detection and strengthen the overall well-being of the population. He emphasized that while individuals have a responsibility to care for their health, they should also be able to rely on the support of their communities and the healthcare system when facing medical challenges.
"Your health is your responsibility, but you should never have to face health challenges without the support of your community and the healthcare system," Connor stated.
The Minister concluded by encouraging participants to ask questions, undergo screenings and share the information gained during the event with relatives, friends and others in their communities. He expressed hope that the observance would contribute to a healthier, better-informed and more proactive St. Maarten, with greater attention to preventing diabetes and managing its long-term consequences.
"May we not only raise awareness today, but make healthier choices every day," Connor concluded.
