Monday, November 14 is World Diabetes Day (WDD) which will be observed around the globe to raise awareness.
The Diabetes Foundation of St. Maarten (DFS) will be hosting a lecture on diabetes where a number of speakers will share information about diabetic foot care and diabetes and depression.
Guests’ speakers will be Dr. Grace Spencer, Dr. Liam Stoeldraasijers, Podiatrist and Dr. Natalie Humphrey, Assistant
Dean of Community Engagement at the American University of the Caribbean.
The lecture will take place on Monday, November 14 at Carl’s & Sons Inn Conference Hall, Cole Bay from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Free health screening will be offered on site.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body
cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack, blindness, kidney failure and lower limb amputation.
The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, would like the community to know that diabetes can be prevented and controlled, and encourages persons to eat more vegetables and fruits – ½ of your plate; aim for color and variety, and remember that potatoes don’t count as vegetables on the Healthy Eating Plate because of their negative impact on blood sugar.
Go for whole grains – ¼ of your plate. Whole and intact grains—whole wheat, barley, wheat berries, quinoa, oats, brown rice etc., and try to have three healthy balanced meals per day and check under your feet regularly and remain in regular contact with your physician to ensure medical management of your diabetes.
Many people are not aware that they have type 2 diabetes, understand the risk factors, the signs/symptoms, and seek
prompt medical care if diabetes is suspected.
For more information about diabetes, consult your general practitioner.