In a series of lectures at the Mahaicony and Fort Wellington hospitals last week, diabetic patients learnt that while their condition is not curable it can be managed by diet and exercise.
Dr Reyaad Subhan and other officials from the Fort Wellington Hospital also hosted lectures at health centres, at the Bush Lot Mosque and at some NGOs in observance of World Diabetes Day. Observations were held under the theme ‘Education and Prevention.’
At a demonstration titled ‘Diabetic foot care’ at the hospitals patients were taught how to take care of their feet to prevent infections. On Wednesday, Community Nutrition Officer at the ministry Audrey Moffat encouraged patients to practice “healthy eating and give children healthy food so as to prevent them from developing Type 2 diabetes.” She advised them to include a variety of wholesome foods in their diets such as whole grains, dark green and orange vegetables, fruits, low fat milk, chicken, fish and beans.
Moffat encouraged the patients to practice “active living as being active helps to burn the extra calories.” Moffat also told patients to manage their stress levels in order to keep their sugar levels down.
Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer Venus Smartt told Stabroek News that diabetes and hypertension are the two leading chronic diseases in the region. She said from July to September two persons died from “diabetes crisis complications.”
