Grand Cayman,  14 November 2025

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated on 14 November every year, as a commemoration of the birth of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin in 1921.  The theme for WDD 2025 is diabetes and well-being, with a special focus on diabetes in the workplace.

Globally, 7 in 10 adults living with diabetes are of working age.  This lived reality for the millions of employees can become a source of stress, stigma and fear within the context of the workplace.  Persons living with diabetes still report struggling to balance their health with work expectations, leading many to hide or not disclose their condition.  This, in turn, impacts not only the individual’s mental health but also limits their career growth.

Thus, as the focus of this year’s WDD, the International Diabetes Federation is calling for more inclusive and supportive workplaces, that proactive support employees who are living with diabetes, while also taking visible steps to address issues of stigma in the workplace.

In the Cayman Islands, diabetes mellitus was identified as the fifth leading cause of death among residents in the 2023 Compendium of Statistics. The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability’s (MHES) STEPS 2023 National Health Survey identified that around 1 in 10 persons (10.8%) report ever being diagnosed with raised blood sugar or diabetes, though it is important to note that 24% of the population report never having had their blood sugar level measured.

As the survey also included a component that tested for elevated blood glucose, it was found that 7.8% of the population have raised blood glucose and are receiving medication, 4.8% have been diagnosed but are not on medication, and a further 1.6% have raised blood glucose but are undiagnosed.  Among those who have been diagnosed, 30% have never had an eye exam and 50% have never had a foot exam.

“Two of the common work-related challenges reported by people living with diabetes is the lack of breaks during the work day and being denied time to attend medical appointments,” explains Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hilary Wolf. “Regular snack and bathroom breaks during the work day are crucial for people with diabetes because it affords them much needed time to manage medication, maintain stable blood glucose levels, manage hunger, monitor hydration, and work to prevent complications.  Similarly, ensuring that persons living with diabetes have regular access to health services is essential.  Eye exams are key to help detect and treat diabetic retinopathy which can lead to blindness but if caught early can prevent vision loss.  Similarly, foot examinations are critical for prevention ulcers, infections and even amputations.”
Most persons who are employed full time are spending, at a minimum, eight-hours per day at work.  Thus, support for persons living with diabetes within the work setting is essential given the impact which small daily choices can have in maintaining a healthy blood sugar levels and supporting long-term wellness. These choices include:

  1.  Build Balanced Plates:
Choose meals that include lean proteins, healthy fats, and high-fiber carbohydrates such as vegetables, beans, and whole grains. This helps slow digestion and prevents sharp blood sugar spikes.
  2.  Move with Purpose:
Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days—walking, dancing, swimming, or any movement you enjoy. Regular physical activity helps your body use insulin more efficiently.
  3.  Be Mindful of Portions:
Even healthy foods can impact blood sugar in large amounts. Eating slowly, listening to your body, and keeping portions consistent can help maintain stable levels.
  4.  Choose Whole Foods Over Processed Options:
Limit sugary drinks, pastries, and refined grains. Opting for whole, nutrient-dense foods supports steadier energy and better blood sugar control.
  5.  Hydrate and Manage Stress:
Drinking enough water and practicing stress-relief techniques—like breathing exercises, meditation, stretching, or prayer—can support healthy blood sugar and overall balance.
Chief Nursing Officer Felicia McLean, who recently attended the Diabetes Systems Capacity Strengthening Workshop hosted by the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) office in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), flags that diabetes remains a significant concern across the Caribbean region. “One of the key takeaways from the workshops has been the importance of integrating health into all policies, given the profound impact that social determinants have on population health,” Mrs. McLean adds.  “My goal now is to build on the work already being done by PAHO, CARPHA, and other Caribbean countries to implement strategies that will have a meaningful and positive impact on diabetes outcomes in the Cayman Islands.”

The social determinants of health are the conditions under which people are born, grow, live, work and age and how these impact an individual’s health outcomes.  Income, food security, access to quality education, social norms, exposure to violence, air and water quality, green spaces, and access to healthcare are all among social determinants of health.

As MHES works to implement the recommendations outlined as part of the STEPS 2023 National Health Survey report, the prevention and effective management of diabetes will be among a series of initiatives aimed at addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

“Through the implementation of the HEARTS programme, our aim is to roll out holistic, prevention-focused health services across every district,” explains Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability.  “The HEARTS framework is patient-centred and offers wrap around services such as  healthy lifestyle counselling that promotes behavioural change, standardised clinical protocols to manage both diabetes and hypertension, access to medications and treatment by ensuring both are available and affordable,   and systems for monitoring that help to track both patient progress and quality of care.”

“The work being undertaken as part of the STEPS report implementation is going to be a part of the broader National Health Strategy and Plan, our roadmap that will guide the development of our healthcare system for the next decade” explains Chief Officer Tamara Ebanks.  “This will ensure that our efforts are not only interconnected and complimentary, but that together they work to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the nation.”
ENDS