Bahamas News
Diabetes Mellitus Fifth Leading Cause of Death in The Bahamas
#Nassau, November 20, 2018 – Bahamas – Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Duane Sands said Diabetes mellitus is a devastating and costly chronic, non-communicable disease, which is now the fifth leading cause of death in The Bahamas.
“We have seen the prevalence of diabetes increase from 6.7 per cent to 9.2 per cent in 2005 now to epidemic proportions of 13.6 per cent in 2017,” Dr. Sands said at the Bahamas Podiatric Medical Association 2018 Conference, ‘New Hope for Diabetic Feet,’ at The University of The Bahamas, Friday, November 16, 2018.
He added that in The Bahamas, 37.9 deaths per 100,000 persons are due to diabetes.
The Health Minister said foot complications are the source of major patient suffering, high emotion and financial costs to the individual and healthcare system. He said the frequency and severity of foot problems vary from region to region, largely because of difference in socio-economic conditions, type of footwear, and standards of foot care. Foot ulcers are the most prevalent problem, with a yearly incidence of around two – four per cent and a lifetime incidence between 15 and 25 per cent.
Dr. Sands explained that the most important factors underlying the development of foot ulcers are peripheral sensory neuropathy, foot deformities related to motor neuropathy, minor foot trauma, and peripheral artery disease.
“Once the skin is ulcerated, it is susceptible to becoming infected, an urgent medical problem that can result in amputation or even death. Only two thirds of foot ulcers eventually heal, and up to 40 per cent can recur and 28 per cent may result in some forms of lower extremity amputation.”
He noted that every year, more than one million people with diabetes lose at least a part of their leg, translating to a lower limb being lost to diabetes, every 20 seconds somewhere in the world.
The Health Minister said the five-year death rate following a diabetic foot ulcer or amputation is 50 per cent and higher than in persons with prostate cancer and breast cancer. Prevention of foot ulcers is of paramount importance and has long been recognized as a priority.
He explained that a large number of diabetics are experiencing lower extremity complications therefore the practice of podiatry medicine should be intertwined with their care.
“A multidisciplinary team approach is most effective in providing care and encouraging compliance and 
reinforcement of foot care practices by all specialties in the diabetes care team. It has been shown that establishing multidisciplinary foot care teams are associated with a drop in the number of diabetes related to lower extremity amputations.”
Dr. Sands added that podiatric medical care is a vital and increasingly valued addition to this multidisciplinary team.
He said the American Diabetes Association’s position statement of Prevention Foot Care in People with Diabetes, recommends that all persons with diabetes receive at least one foot examination annually. The Health Minister said the Department of Public Health, Diabetes Management Protocol also mandates that every diabetic receive at least an annual comprehensive lower extremity examination.
By Llonella Gilbert
Photo Caption: Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Duane Sands presents on the incidence of diabetes and its effects, November 16, 2018 at University of The Bahamas.
(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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