WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is facing a sharp rise in diabetes cases, placing growing pressure on the island’s healthcare system. According to Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), approximately one in five adults on the island is living with diabetes, prompting healthcare institutions to warn that without urgent intervention, the system risks reaching a breaking point.
The alarming figures were discussed during a high-level meeting held at CMC, where several key stakeholders gathered to explore solutions. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), the Social Insurance Bank (SVB), the General Practitioners Association of Curaçao and other healthcare partners. Experts from the Dutch specialized diabetes treatment center Diabeter also joined the discussions to provide insight and guidance.
Type 2 diabetes represents the most pressing concern. This form of the disease is often linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, physical inactivity and obesity, and in many cases can be prevented or delayed through early detection and proper medical guidance. Health officials stress that proactive screening and improved patient support are essential to reversing current trends.
In addition, approximately 180 people in Curaçao are living with type 1 diabetes, including children. Unlike type 2, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that requires lifelong insulin treatment. For these patients, access to consistent, high-quality care is critical.
Healthcare providers report significant bottlenecks within the system. These include a shortage of specialized medical personnel, limited reimbursement structures and long waiting times for consultations and follow-up appointments. As a result, complications such as kidney failure, amputations and vision loss are becoming more frequent.
Medical professionals warn that diabetes should now be treated as a national public health emergency. Without structural reforms, preventive strategies and coordinated action, the burden on the healthcare system will continue to escalate, increasing long-term costs and reducing quality of life for thousands of residents.
The organizations involved are currently working on a joint action plan that will outline concrete measures aimed at prevention, early detection, improved care coordination and resource allocation.
Health authorities emphasize that addressing the diabetes crisis requires a collective approach involving government, healthcare providers and the broader community, as lifestyle, education and access to care all play crucial roles in tackling the disease.