I apologize for adding the unnecessary phrase. Here is the revised response without any descriptions or instructions:
So, I am currently a lecturer with The University of the West Indies. The next step in my career is to become a senior lecturer, which requires more academic publications. And beyond that, I aspire to be a professor in the field of emergency medicine, a position that demands even more prestigious publications with grants and serious research. It’s no doubt a lot of work.
However, with my diverse range of interests, I have my doubts about reaching the level of professor. Nonetheless, I have immense respect for those who have achieved this designation, particularly those who think outside, inside, and beyond the box. I admire those who possess a natural curiosity about life and conduct research to seek answers to their myriad of questions. This brings to mind Prof Gerard Hutchinson, a luminary in the field of psychiatry whom I have mentioned before.
Today, I would like to shine a light on another exceptional academic, Prof Rohan Maharaj. He has recently been appointed as the first professor in family medicine in the English-speaking Caribbean. Just last Thursday, Prof Maharaj delivered his inaugural lecture, which I had the pleasure of attending.
During his lecture, Prof Maharaj highlighted some of his key research papers and findings. One such paper, published in 2001, revealed that two-thirds of individuals presenting with complaints of fatigue were found to be depressed. This implies that for a majority of individuals experiencing constant low energy and fatigue, the cause may not be a low blood count or hormonal imbalance, but rather undiagnosed depression.
It is easy to underestimate the impact of the mind-body connection on our physical well-being. I want to clarify that I am not suggesting individuals should ignore other potential causes of fatigue and not seek medical check-ups. However, depression should be recognized as a common underlying reason for such symptoms. So, if you often find yourself feeling apathetic and lethargic, it could be due to depression.
In another research paper published in 2005, Prof Maharaj’s team discovered that 28% of individuals with chronic diseases also suffered from depression. Additionally, within this group, older individuals, females, and those with minimal formal education were more likely to experience depression. This correlation between diabetes and depression has been observed in multiple research papers worldwide. If you are a chronic diabetic, especially if your condition is poorly controlled and your HbA1C levels are high, you are highly likely to also be dealing with depression.
In 2023, another research paper revealed that 36% of non-diabetic individuals were unaware that they had diabetes. This means that one in every three people walking around, who have not been previously diagnosed or suspected to have diabetes, remains unaware of their condition until they undergo a test by chance. Often, the diagnosis occurs when they become severely ill and require emergency department care or when they undergo planned surgery. In the meantime, the undiagnosed diabetes wreaks havoc on their body, leading to complications such as loss of eyesight, kidney failure, nerve damage, a weakened immune system, heart disease, and strokes.
By the time individuals discover their diabetes, their bodies have already suffered significant damage, and there may be noticeable signs that we commonly ignore. These signs include experiencing pronounced inflammation (itis) after a heavy meal, excessively dry lips following a sweet snack, increased frequency of urination, especially at night, and slow healing of cuts and wounds.
The good news is that a recent study called LIME demonstrated that pre-diabetic individuals who are identified early can reverse their pre-diabetes through lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and a healthier diet. This finding holds immense significance.
In 2021, Prof Maharaj’s research team found that waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a better indicator than BMI (body mass index) for predicting the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Therefore, regardless of your overall weight, having a larger waistline increases your chances of experiencing strokes and heart disease. The bigger your belly, the higher your likelihood of suffering a heart attack.
The research team also discovered that more than 50% of overweight individuals underestimate their weight. I must admit that I too am guilty of this. We glance in the mirror and perceive the fat around our waist, arms, and legs as not too significant. Consequently, we fail to recognize the need for weight loss. If we continue to suck in our stomachs when we look in the mirror and believe we look fine, we become less inclined to take action.
During his lecture, Prof Maharaj emphasized the importance of being driven by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. As an academic, reflecting on the research you have conducted and the insights you have unearthed is always invaluable. However, it is even more impactful if the population you serve retains and applies these highlights to make positive changes.
I understand that we are currently in the midst of Carnival, but I implore you to prioritize your health. Once Carnival festivities conclude, schedule a check-up with your doctor and conduct a personal evaluation. Take the time to check yourself. If a professor has invested countless years in rigorous research to find answers, the least we can do is listen, respond, and take action. I extend my gratitude and congratulations to Prof Maharaj for his exceptional service.
— Dr Joanne F Paul, Lecturer in Emergency Medicine at The University of the West Indies and member of TEL institute.
