Education critical in diabetes fight

Diabetes education still remains a critical area in the fight against the deadly disease in Barbados and other developing countries.

This was the message delivered by President of the Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados, Trudy Griffith, as she spoke during a church service held at James Street Methodist Church on Sunday in recognition of World Diabetes Day.

Griffith, who revealed that this year’s theme for the day is Education to Protect Tomorrow, said education still remains important in the fight, given the high numbers of persons being reported with the disease yearly.

“This year’s campaign focuses on the need for better access to quality diabetes education for health professionals and people living with diabetes; one in ten adults around the world now lives with diabetes… an estimated 537 million people. Almost half do not even know that they have diabetes.”

She added: “People with diabetes need access to ongoing education to understand their condition and to carry out the daily self care essentials to stay healthy and avoid complications.

According to Griffith, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in keeping with the theme, is also expanding its available courses to persons, both medical professions and diabetics, who seek to learn more about the disease.

“IDF is committed to facilitating learning opportunities for all people impacted by diabetes. The Understanding Diabetes platform provides free online and in person interactive courses to help people with diabetes and their carers, to understand and manage their condition.

“The IDF School of Diabetes offers a selection of free and premium online courses to help health professionals to stay up to date with various aspects of diabetes management and treatment.”

The local association also offers a comprehensive educational programme – the chronic disease self management programme – which compliments the clinical management of diabete. 100 persons will soon complete the first phase of this programme, with the association hoping to expand the offering in 2023. (SB)