Diabetes in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Type II Diabetes Breakdown

What is it?

• Blood sugar is higher than normal
• Pancreas produced insulin- a hormone that influences levels of blood sugar
• Body does not use insulin properly
• Type II Diabetes = insulin resistant
• Most common causes are genetics or being overweight/obese
• Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S.

Symptoms:

• excessive urination
• excessive thirst
• blurred vision
• irritability
• tingling or numbness in hands and feet

Prevention:

• EXERCISE (aim for 30 minutes of activity 5 days a week)
• EAT HEALTHY! (lots of fruits and vegetables)
• Do not smoke
• Maintain stress
• Get enough sleep

Statistics 

Comparison to the National Average

Hypertension Diabetes Hyperlipidemia Arthritis Chronic Kidney Disease Cancer State National

This chart shows how many people are affected by these diseases in the U.S. Virgin Islands compared to the U.S. as a whole.

Diabetes is the only disease on this chart that is more likely to occur in the U.S. Virgin Islands than the entire U.S. population. 

"WHEEL OUT"

November is Diabetes Month!

'WHEEL OUT' bike ride for diabetes will be a major event to increase awareness and aid in prevention of Diabetes. 

For more information visit the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health Website at http://www.healthvi.org/index.html .

References

American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2015, from http://www.diabetes.org/?loc=logo

Diabetes. (2015, August 18). Retrieved September 20, 2015, from http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/home/index.html

Type 2 Diabetes Directory: Find News, Features, and Pictures Related to Type 2 Diabetes. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2015, from http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/type-2-diabetes-directory

U.S. Virgin Islands’ Diabetes Crisis: Today and Future Trends. (2011). Retrieved September 20, 2015, from http://www.altfutures.org/pubs/diabetes2025/US_VIRGIN_ISLANDS_Diabetes2025_Overall_BriefingPaper_2011.pdf

United States Virgin Islands Department of Health. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2015, from http://www.healthvi.org/index.html

Virgin Islands. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2015, from http://conditions-prevalence.healthgrove.com/l/48/Virgin-Islands

Virgin Islands Demographics. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2015, from http://www.vimovingcenter.com/statistics/