The Cayman Islands Diabetes Association (C.I.D.A) is a Cayman Islands registered non-profit organization whose mission is to: “Work towards a future without diabetes by creating awareness, providing education to our community; while improving the lives of diabetics and their families.”

We are the official Cayman Islands member of the International Diabetes Federation (I.D.F.) For more information please visit our website www.caymandiabetes.com and / or www.idf.org

...How to join

Any member of the community can become a member of C.I.D.A.

If you are interested in joining C.I.D.A or would like to help, and volunteer please send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

...Quick Facts on Diabetes

• 1 person dies every 8 seconds, from diabetes. That is 4 million people a year.

• Every 10 seconds two people develop diabetes.

• 2011 is a milestone year- Over 300 million people living with diabetes.

• An estimated 344 million now have pre-diabetes.

• The largest age group currently affected by diabetes is between 40-59 years.

• Diabetes is the main cause of partial vision loss, and blindness in adults in developed countries.

• 1 million amputations a year are a result of diabetes.

• Complications of diabetes - visual impairment, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and nerve damage.

...What is diabetes?

“Diabetes is a chronic disease that arises when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that enables cells to take in glucose from the blood and use it for energy. Failure to produce insulin, or of insulin to act properly, or both, leads to raised glucose (sugar) levels in the blood (hyperglycaemia). This is associated with long-term damage to the body and failure of various organs and tissues.” (www.idf.org)

...About diabetes

As of 2011 there is over 300 million people living with diabetes according to the International Diabetes Federation. (www.idf.org) Diabetes is a prevalent chronic disease and does not discriminate. Persons with a family history of diabetes are at a higher risk for developing the condition, however diabetes is not limited to persons with a family history of diabetes.

...Know the warning signs

• Abnormal thirst and a dry mouth

• Frequent urination

• Extreme tiredness/lack of energy

• Sudden weight loss

• Slow-healing wounds

• Recurrent infections

• Blurred vision

• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

• Frequent bladder, skin or gum infections

Note: Some people may have no symptoms at all. Therefore it is important that individuals get checked regularly for diabetes, as this is important, as well as annual visits to their doctor.

...Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is sometimes called insulin-dependent, immune-mediated or juvenile-onset diabetes. People with this form of diabetes need injections of insulin every day in order to control the levels of glucose in their blood. If people with type 1 diabetes do not have access to insulin, they die.

People with type 2 diabetes do not usually require injections of insulin. Usually they can control the glucose in their blood by watching their diet, taking regular exercise, oral medication, and possibly insulin.

The onset of type 2 diabetes is also linked to genetic factors but obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet increase the risks.

Some women develop a temporary type of diabetes called 'gestational diabetes' when they are pregnant. Gestational diabetes develops in 2-5% of all pregnancies, but usually disappears when the pregnancy is over.

...Contact the CIDA

Tel: (345) 916-0995 / 925-9802

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Cayman Islands Diabetes Association

P.O Box 11756

Grand Cayman, KY1-1009

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Website: www.caymandiabetes.com