As we mark Diabetes Awareness Month, we are at a critical juncture that requires not just introspection, but action. For our Caribbean diaspora in the GTA, November serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency with which we must address the rising tide of diabetes within our community.

The statistics are alarming and also deeply personal, affecting families, neighbours, and friends. Now is the time to shift from awareness to proactive measures, embracing healthier lifestyles for ourselves and for future generations.

Across the globe, diabetes and non-communicable diseases are on the rise, creating a significant public health challenge. The numbers tell a sobering story in India, for example, where an astonishing 77 million persons are now living with diabetes.

Meanwhile, in our own Caribbean community, back home and here in Canada, the statistics show that in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Jamaica, diabetes is now epidemic, with prevalence rates exceeding 12 percent.

The consequences are severe for the afflicted – amputations, dialysis, and heart disease are daily, lived realities. South Asians and Afro-Caribbeans are at elevated risk in our Caribbean diaspora here in the GTA.

We must acknowledge the role that culture, lifestyle, and even migration plays in exacerbating the risk of diabetes. For many immigrants, the transition to a new country often brings unanticipated health challenges – stress, dietary changes, and a sedentary lifestyle converge to increase the risk of diabetes. Our traditional diets, rich in starches and sugars, combined with the conveniences of urban living, have only compounded the pathology.

Let us be clear: these are not insurmountable challenges.

There is power in community, and this is where our strength lies. The success of initiatives like the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme in Trinidad and Tobago, and public awareness campaigns in Guyana demonstrate that with the right support, we can make a difference.

Here in the GTA, we have access to resources – health screenings, culturally-tailored education programs, and support groups – that can make a real difference. The challenge is ensuring that our community members are aware of such access, and go out and utilise these resources.

Prevention is a lifeline. Too often, we wait for symptoms to appear before taking action, and by then, the damage is often done. Early screening, healthier eating habits, and regular exercise are simple yet effective strategies to prevent diabetes. The choice to swap a sugary drink for water, to walk instead of drive, or to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into our diets can be life-changing.

But these changes require more than just individual effort. Families, too, play a crucial role. The strength of our Caribbean heritage is rooted in community, in the shared experience of family meals, social gatherings, and collective support.

Let us channel that strength into making healthier choices together. Let us challenge each other to take evening walks, prepare healthier versions of beloved dishes, and schedule regular check-ups.

Our call to action extends beyond individuals. Community leaders, healthcare professionals, and policymakers have a critical role to play. We call on our government representatives in the GTA to invest more in these initiatives, and to keep working with grassroots organisations to reach those most at risk.

Caribbean governments have taken important steps: from sugar taxes in Barbados to new standards for diabetes care in Guyana. These measures are commendable, but they must be complemented by community engagement.

Here in Canada, we can learn from these initiatives and adapt them to our local context, ensuring that our community feels supported, informed, and empowered.

As we observe Diabetes Awareness Month, it is a time to reflect on the health challenges facing our community, and to take proactive steps toward better health. Let us use November as a catalyst for year-round efforts to prioritise our health, support each other, and ensure a healthier future for the next generation.