The first episode of Diabetes and You for 2025 set the stage for an insightful discussion on functional medicine and its role in diabetes care. Hosted by Dr. Andrew Dhanoo, President of the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago (DATT), the episode welcomed Dr. Alisha Honoré-Felix, who shared her expertise and experiences from Dominica and St. Lucia. Dr. Dhanoo began the show by introducing DATT’s latest initiatives, including free eye exams, nutritional counseling, and the National Diabetes Primary School Quiz. He underscored the importance of regional collaboration in addressing diabetes, inviting Dr. Honoré-Felix to offer her insights on the Caribbean’s healthcare landscape. Dr. Honoré-Felix shared her journey into medicine, influenced by her father’s encouragement and her mother’s health struggles. She emphasized the importance of functional medicine, which focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases rather than solely managing symptoms with medication. Both she and Dr. Dhanoo critiqued the traditional healthcare model, which often relies on prescriptions rather than preventive care. The discussion then shifted to the rising prevalence of diabetes in the region, largely due to poor diets and high stress levels. Dr. Honoré-Felix highlighted the financial burden of diabetes care and the inconsistent availability of medications. She and Dr. Dhanoo concluded that systemic reforms, patient education, and personal motivation are key to improving diabetes management.
This episode of Diabetes and You explored the realities of living with diabetes in the Caribbean. Dr. Dhanoo welcomed Mrs. Glynis Alonzo-Beaton, President of the Guyana Diabetic Association, who shared her personal experiences and advocacy efforts in diabetes care. Alonzo-Beaton recounted her diagnosis at a young age and how it propelled her into diabetes education. She emphasized the importance of awareness in preventing severe complications and noted similarities between diabetes care in Guyana and Trinidad. A major topic of discussion was the disparity in healthcare access, especially in rural communities. While the Georgetown Public Hospital offers free healthcare, many patients in remote areas struggle to access necessary medications and supplies. Dr. Dhanoo and Alonzo- Beaton agreed that patient education, family support, and personalized dietary guidance are essential in managing diabetes effectively. The conversation also tackled widespread misconceptions about diabetes, with both speakers stressing the need for better public education. As the episode wrapped up, they reaffirmed the importance of proactive diabetes management through lifestyle changes and education.
In this episode of Diabetes and You, Dr. Andrew Dhanoo welcomed Dr. Reginald O’Loughlin from St. Kitts, who shared his experiences with diabetes and his efforts to improve healthcare in the region. Dr. O’Loughlin discussed his early interest in medicine, his education in Poland, and his career as a district medical officer. Witnessing high rates of diabetes and hypertension in his patients led him to take a leadership role in community health, working with the Red Cross and the Diabetes Association of St. Kitts. The discussion also covered the International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) role in the Caribbean, with Dr. O’Loughlin explaining how its initiatives—such as educator training and diabetes camps—help improve patient care. Another critical issue was the strain diabetes places on Caribbean healthcare systems. Dr. Dhanoo noted that hospitals in Trinidad face increasing demand and longer patient wait times. Additionally, gender disparities in health-seeking behaviors were explored, with Dr. O’Loughlin explaining how cultural perceptions of masculinity prevent many Caribbean men from seeking timely medical care. The episode wrapped up with a discussion on dietary habits and potential policy interventions, such as taxing unhealthy foods. Dr. O’Loughlin introduced the “TEAM” framework—Testing, Exercise, Eating right, and Medication—as a practical guide for managing diabetes.