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The Diabetes Global Village

"It is estimated that by 2025 every household across Barbados will have a person who has diabetes therefore we must introduce novel and exciting ways to spread the news about diabetes and its potential complications."

This was proposed by Dr. Kenneth George, Senior Medical Officer of health responsible for chronic and non-communicable diseases and representative of the Lion's Club, during the opening remarks of the launch of the Diabetes Global Village 2007. This exposition was held at the Hilton Hotel yesterday.

Dr. George shared that today in Barbados diabetes is common and many persons who have diabetes may suffer many complications such as blindness, kidney failure and especially amputations. He also emphasized that these complications may impact the entire household and can result in broken families.

This was proposed by Dr. Kenneth George, Senior Medical Officer of health responsible for chronic and non-communicable diseases and representative of the Lion's Club, during the opening remarks of the launch of the Diabetes Global Village 2007. This exposition was held at the Hilton Hotel yesterday.

Dr. George shared that today in Barbados diabetes is common and many persons who have diabetes may suffer many complications such as blindness, kidney failure and especially amputations. He also emphasized that these complications may impact the entire household and can result in broken families.

Dr. Oscar Jordan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Barbados Diabetes Foundation, also highlighted that Barbados is a country that amputates diabetics. In addition, that there is much that can be done to educate persons to prevent complications that would lead to amputations and even reduce the prevalence.

Dwight Edghill, Manager and Treasurer of the Barbados Diabetes Foundation noted that as this month is World Diabetes Month and that having selected this week to highlight diabetes the exposition would be an ideal way to cap off this week. He stated that in an effort to provide persons with a wealth of knowledge concerning diabetic health, a variety of diabetic care agencies were called to conduct presentations as well as doctors to chat with individuals. Moreover, he insisted that the exposition was also aimed at providing preventative information and therefore did not cater to only diabetics. He stated, "This expo is not primarily for people who are diabetic. This expo is for people who want to reduce the incidents of diabetes. Whether you have it within your family or not there is a possibility that your diet and lack of exercise can onset on any of us. Therefore it is important to get that group of people who are cautious of that and put a halt to the trend they were living."

This event is a collaboration of the Barbados Diabetes Foundation, Diabetes Association of Barbados and the Lion's Club of Bridgetown and coordinated by PRMR Inc. The Diabetes Global Village was conducted in the form of an exposition where various organizations presented the public with information on diabetes: nutrition and diabetic care (pharmaceutical and rehabilitation).

Pamala Proverbs, Co- ordinator and MC of the launch provided information on the exposition. Many companies were represented and products displayed. GNLD displayed supplementary products and products for weight management and general well being. Abbot Nutritional International also displayed a nutritional product, Glucerna health shakes in various flavours and diabetic care blood sugar testers. Carib Rehab displayed therapeutic footwear for the Diabetic foot. There was also a Foot Station, collaborated by local podiatrists. Here people were able to speak to a podiatrist and have their feet examined. Collins Limited provided patient information from other pharmaceuticals and displayed Lifescan glucose meters, Enterix diabetic and Splenda. The Diabetes Association of Barbados conducted a Blood Testing Station. Also there were the Nutrition Station and Chat Room consultants with doctors and nurses. Other companies include Stokes and Bynoe Ltd., GLAXOSMITHKLINE, Carlisle Laboratories Ltd, Astra Zeneca, and SBI Distribution Inc.

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