Turnbull Warns of Rising Male Diabetes
Second District Representative Melvin "Mitch" Turnbull has raised alarms about an increase in diabetes cases among men in the British Virgin Islands, particularly young adults aged 25 to 35. He urged greater personal responsibility, family support and continued Ministry of Health action, pointing to the strain that diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure and dialysis place on people and the health system.
Second District Representative Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull has warned of a worrying rise in diabetes among men in the British Virgin Islands, and urged residents and officials to respond with greater prevention, screening and support. Turnbull said he has become increasingly sensitised to the issue after observing several recent cases involving men between the ages of 25 and 35. "When it comes to our young men, we need to start looking more closely at how we are dealing with and managing our health," he said. "There continues to be a rising number of cases of diabetes, especially among men, most of whom end up on dialysis." The legislator said that within the past few months alone he is personally aware of at least five young men in that age bracket who are living with diabetes, a situation he described as deeply troubling.
He stressed that while government and community efforts are ongoing, greater personal responsibility and family support are critical. "I believe it is in our interest, as a territory, to continue to pay attention through the Ministry of Health," Turnbull added, pointing to recent initiatives such as health fairs organised by the National Health Insurance programme and other community groups.
Health experts across the Caribbean have long warned that type 2 diabetes is increasingly affecting younger adults. Regional trends show high rates of diabetes, obesity and hypertension driven by factors including poor diet, decreasing physical activity and other lifestyle changes.
In the Virgin Islands, officials have noted that a significant percentage of adults are living with diabetes or are at risk, and complications such as kidney failure requiring dialysis place added strain on individuals, families and the health system. For BVI residents, the message is both practical and urgent: routine screening, early diagnosis and proper management can prevent severe complications later in life.
Turnbull urged families, workplaces and community groups to bolster education, encourage healthier eating and regular exercise, and support people who need medical care. He also called on the territory's health institutions to continue outreach efforts, including screening at NHI health fairs and targeted programmes aimed at younger adults. "Not just diabetes, but our overall health," Turnbull said. "We must look after ourselves, not just for males, but for us as a territory." Community leaders and healthcare providers are being asked to step up prevention work to avoid heavier social and fiscal costs from chronic disease in the coming years.
Primary source: BVI News