In a recent episode of Diabetes and You on Freedom 106.5 FM, Dr. Andrew Dhanoo spoke with neurologist Dr. Nicholas Maraj about stroke—its causes, symptoms, and treatment. The discussion provided crucial insights into prevention, early detection, and the importance of rapid medical response. Dr. Maraj shared his journey into medicine, inspired by a childhood experience where a doctor saved his life. His interest in neurology grew from the brain’s complexity, controlling everything from movement to memory. After training in internal medicine, he specialized in stroke neurology in Canada before returning to Trinidad in 2018 to improve local stroke care.
A stroke, often called a “brain attack”, happens when blood flow to part of the brain is disrupted. There are two main types: ischemic strokes (caused by a clot blocking an artery, making up 80% of cases) and hemorrhagic strokes (caused by a ruptured blood vessel, leading to bleeding in the brain). A transient ischemic attack (TIA or “mini-stroke”) is a temporary blockage that resolves but signals future stroke risk.
Recognizing stroke symptoms quickly is vital. Dr. Maraj highlighted the B.E.F.A.S.T. method:
Unlike heart attacks, strokes usually don’t cause pain, making symptom awareness even more critical.
Stroke risk factors fall into two categories: those you can’t change (like age and being male) and those you can control. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol,smoking, heart disease, inactivity, chronic stress, heavy alcohol use, and sleep apnea all increase stroke risk.
Time is critical in stroke treatment. The best chance for recovery comes within 4.5 hours, when clot-busting drugs like Alteplase or Tenecteplase can restore blood flow. In some cases, a mechanical thrombectomy (surgical clot removal) may be an option within six hours or up to 24 hours in select cases. Dr. Maraj cautioned against unproven treatments, such as expensive injections with no medical backing, which can do more harm than good.
For stroke survivors, recovery involves physical therapy for movement, speech therapy for communication, occupational therapy for daily tasks, and mental health support to cope with emotional changes. Preventing another stroke means managing blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, taking prescribed blood thinners, quitting smoking,and limiting alcohol.
Dr. Maraj’s key advice:
For more on diabetes and stroke prevention, contact the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago at 607-3288 or visit our Chaguanas office.
In a recent episode of Diabetes & You, Dr. Andrew Dhanoo introduced listeners to a ground breaking development in diabetes care—Type 5 diabetes, a newly classified form of the disease linked to malnutrition. Historically known as Type J diabetes (named after its discovery in Jamaica) or malnutrition-related diabetes, this condition has been observed for decades but only received formal recognition by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in April 2024.
Unlike the more familiar Type 1 (autoimmune) and Type 2 (insulin resistance) diabetes,Type 5 diabetes primarily affects underweight individuals, often with a history of poor nutrition in early life. Dr. Dhanoo explained that this condition stems from severely impaired insulin secretion, rather than insulin resistance, making it distinct from other types. Unfortunately, many patients have been misdiagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and improperly treated with insulin, leading to dangerous hypoglycemia—sometimes with fatal consequences.
The discussion featured insights from Professor Marilyn Hawkins, a leading expert from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and co-chair of the IDF’s Type 5 Diabetes Working Group. She shared findings from advanced metabolic studies, including clamp tests and body composition analyses, confirming that these patients have normal insulin sensitivity but critically low insulin production. This research, published in 2022, has reshaped understanding and spurred global efforts to develop targeted treatments.
Dr. Dhanoo emphasized that Type 5 diabetes is especially prevalent in low-income regions, including parts of the Caribbean, Africa, and South Asia, where malnutrition remains a challenge. He urged healthcare providers to consider this diagnosis for lean patients with severe hyperglycemia, as mistreatment with high insulin doses can be life-threatening. While metformin has shown some success, more research is needed to establish safe and effective therapies.
The episode concluded with a call for awareness, as hundreds of thousands world wide may be living with undiagnosed Type 5 diabetes. Next week’s program will shift focus to cyber scams targeting vulnerable populations, featuring cybersecurity expert Darren Dorey. Listeners were reminded to contact the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago for support services.
This landmark discussion highlights the importance of recognizing Type 5 diabetes as a unique and urgent public health issue, demanding tailored care to save lives. Stay tuned for further updates as global research progresses. For more information, visit the International Diabetes Federation or consult local diabetes care providers.
In today’s digital world, online scams have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting individuals of all ages—especially the elderly. During a recent episode of Diabetes and You, host Dr. Andrew Dhanoo was joined by digital anthropologist Daren Dhoray from the Cyber Safe Foundation to discuss the alarming rise in online scams and how to protect oneself from falling victim.Although the show typically centers around diabetes, Dr. Dhanoo explained that the growing prevalence of online scams affecting vulnerable populations—particularly older adults—demanded urgent attention. With smartphones and internet access now widespread, scammers are exploiting trust through emotionally manipulative tactics and increasingly deceptive methods.
Daren Dhoray outlined the many forms that scams can take, including lottery and prize scams where victims are told they’ve won a large sum of money but must first pay fees or taxes to claim it. Romance scams involve fraudsters posing as potential romantic partners, building trust over time before requesting money for fabricated emergencies or travel. Phishing scams use fake emails or messages that impersonate banks or companies, tricking individuals into sharing personal information. Gift card scams are another common tactic—scammers pressure victims to buy gift cards and share the codes, often under false pretenses.
Many people assume only the naive fall for scams, but Dhoray emphasized that cybercriminals are not amateurs. They are highly skilled professionals who conduct detailed research to tailor their scams to individual targets. Factors such as loneliness,financial stress, or cognitive decline (including dementia) can make someone especially vulnerable. Dr. Dhanoo shared a heartbreaking example of an educated elderly woman who was conned out of thousands of dollars in a lottery scam. She repeatedly bought gift cards, believing she was securing a major prize, only to be deceived over and over again.
The conversation highlighted key red flags that everyone should look out for. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency, using pressure tactics like “act now or lose your prize.” They frequently request money or personal information through emails,messages, or phone calls—methods no legitimate organization would use. Promises of large financial gains or life-changing prizes are almost always fraudulent. Poor grammar and awkward phrasing in messages can be another giveaway, as many scams originate from non-English-speaking regions. Loved ones behaving unusually—such as becoming secretive about their online activities or making frequent gift card purchases—may also be a sign that something is wrong.
If someone suspects they’ve been scammed, it’s crucial to act quickly. They should report the incident to their bank and reach out to local authorities such as the Fraud Squad or Cyber crime Unit. Securing online accounts by changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication can help prevent further damage. It’s also important to approach victims with empathy. Many feel embarrassed or ashamed, which can prevent them from speaking up or seeking help. Education, support, and open conversations are key to protecting those most at risk.
While the discussion only briefly touched on artificial intelligence, Dhoray warned that AI-generated deepfakes and voice cloning are making scams even harder to detect.Videos of public figures can be faked, and audio can be manipulated to sound like someone you know. Romance scammers may even use AI-generated faces to appear more convincing in photos and video calls.
Dhoray urged listeners to stay informed and vigilant by regularly visiting CyberSafeTT.com for updates on emerging threats. Dr. Dhanoo emphasized the importance of staying watchful, especially for elderly family members who may not be familiar with digital technology. As scams continue to evolve, education and awareness remain the strongest defenses. If even one person avoids falling victim because of this conversation, it will have made a meaningful difference. Stay safe, stay skeptical, and always verify before you trust.