Good day and welcome to the Almanac. November is being celebrated annually and internationally as Diabetes Awareness Month. This observance started when a United Nations Resolution was ratified in 1991, because it is recognized that “diabetes is a chronic, debilitating and costly disease associated with severe complications…”
This observance came through the collaborative effort of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
All agree that this disease “poses severe risks for families, Member States and the entire world, and serious challenges to the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals”.
The IDF estimated that about 3.8 million persons, worldwide would have died in 2007 because of diabetes and its complications. Here in the Territory it is estimated that four out of every 10 persons has diabetes, or is prone to develop the disease if preventive measures are not undertaken and sustained for the duration of life. Hence, the association focuses on promoting a Healthy Lifestyle for persons of All ages, but especially in children and adolescents.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic non-communicable disease. It is a condition in the body whereby the hormone insulin, normally produced in the Pancreas, and which is required for the proper absorption of sugar into the blood, is not being produced at all or is in insufficient quantity for the body to function as it should. When the body’s insulin or lack of it cannot regulate the sugar levels in the blood, other means must be applied to regulate blood sugar levels to sustain normal body functions.
Diabetes occurs in different levels understood in terms of:- Type 2, which is not insulin dependent. Type 2 can be managed by reducing the risk factors, which would mean eating the proper foods and getting adequate exercise and monitoring blood sugar levels regularly to determine if medication is needed. Type 1 Diabetes is insulin dependent, and the same principles will apply as in Type 2 diabetes with one exception, and that is insulin has to be taken into the body through oral medication or by injection.
World Diabetes Day 2009
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated worldwide on November 14, which will be on Saturday. The BVI Diabetes Association first celebrated World Diabetes Day in 1993, under the dedicated stewardship of Nurse Tatica Scatliffe. Over the years, the association celebrated by holding fundraising concerts, walk-a-thons, and other awareness activities. Like in previous years, this year there will be the lighting of the Blue Circle which symbolizes the Unity of the world-wide efforts of all concerned to fight the effects of diabetes through education and management in reducing the threat to health and life.
This year, the theme is Diabetes Education and Prevention. Diabetes education is one of the key functions of the association. At the BVI Diabetes Resource Center, which is open to the public from Monday to Friday, persons can visit the center and get information on Diabetes and how to manage it if they are diabetic or are caregivers of diabetics. The center also provides screening services. Blood sugar and blood pressure checks are done free of cost, and there is a nominal fee for cholesterol checks. Information on diet and nutrition is available and referrals are made to clinical practitioners if necessary.
The Association also conducts a Slim-a-thon program where persons who want to lose weight can register and have weight monitored with the aid of a Body Mass Index (BMI) chart. A proper diet and exercise is important in the success of any weight-loss program. This program is open to adults and youths who are challenged with a tendency to be over-weight.
Community Outreach & Youth Health Development
In 2007 and 2008 the focus of World Diabetes Day was on Juveniles (Children and Youths) at risk of developing Types 1 & 2 diabetes. Although hereditary factors are considered, it is recognized that diabetes is a “Lifestyle Disease”, meaning it is related to the lifestyle of the individual who may be affected with diabetes. In the Territory, it is observed that the threat of obesity is a very real challenge in the youth population, and the BVI Diabetes Association has joined forces with the Ministry of Health to promote the Healthy Lifestyle Project in the Territory’s schools.
To date, over a thousand students from various primary and secondary schools on Tortola, including the Elmore Stoutt High School, St. Georges Secondary School, BVI Technical Vocational High School and several of the primary schools such as the Althea Scatliffe Primary in Road Town, the Francis Lettsome primary in Long Look and the Willard Wheatley Primary in East End, have benefited from this outreach Diabetes Education Program undertaken by the BVI Diabetes Association, which started in November 2008.
It is the aim of the association to continue this program until all schools and students have been covered. The program is conducted by diabetes educators and members of the association, assisted by Public Health nurses, and youth development worker from time to time.
Celebrating 30 Years of Service to the Community
The year 2009 has been an interesting, exciting and challenging year for the BVI Diabetes Association. As the association reflects on how it has grown through the years, from its inception on October 31, 1979. It is cognizant of the need to increase its efforts to reach out to the public with diabetes awareness through information, education and services, particularly with the emphasis on Prevention.
To this end, “it is with some satisfaction that we have been able to fulfill the mission set by the IDF,WHO and the UN, in helping to reach those who are susceptible to risk factors that potentially lead to diabetes”, says it Public Relations Officer.
Young people are important in the work of prevention, because the earlier age at which a person begins to practice a healthy lifestyle, the better their chances of avoiding the effects of chronic diseases such as diabetes. To those who already have the disease, it is important that they manage their condition effectively to avoid the complications that can lead to loss of eyesight, limbs, renal failure and eventually death, and the suffering and loss of quality of life that accompanies living with these complications. The Resource Center is a place that offers support to diabetics and their families, through the available services and diabetes supplies that it stocks for sale at a lower price than at regular pharmacies.
Apart from the Diabetes Education Project for a Healthy Lifestyle, the association also conducted a Youth Health Workshop in April, with the theme “Your Health is Your Wealth”, where a number of resource persons from the community made presentations on Nutrition, Exercise and Stress Management as related to Diet. These presentations provided those in attendance with a wealth of information about maintaining good health and managing diabetes.
In June, the BVIDA lost one of its founding members, and Medical Adviser to the association, Dr. Jana Downing who passed away after a short illness. However, the association remains committed to continue building on the foundation laid by Dr. Downing and others who share the vision. In early October, the association held a Fundraising event, a Tea Party and Hat Show, in honor of Dr. Downing, and it was an elegant social affair enjoyed by all who attended.
Other activities to mark the 30th Anniversary of the BVIDA continue with various events, co-partnered with other community agencies such as the Women of Power Summit, a Gospel Concert, a Health Walk and Church Service in November, along with appearances on the various Media to promote Diabetes Awareness Month, and promoting a Healthy Lifestyle.
The lighting of the Blue Circle will take place at the Sir Olva Georges Plaza on Saturday evening, 14th November, at 6pm. The BVI Diabetes Association takes this opportunity to thank all its partners and supporters who help to carry out the work of making life easier for persons with Diabetes and preventing it where ever possible, as it seeks to combat the scourge of Diabetes in the future.
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