Diabetes Association of Barbados forms human chain

THE Diabetes Association of Barbados continued to raise awareness through a new initiative yesterday.

For the first time, armed with blue balloons, they formed a human link around the National Monument at the Garrison Savannah, creating a spectacle for the many persons who were attending race day.

President of the association Trudy Griffith explained that the human blue circle was an initiative to commemorate World Diabetes Day, which was celebrated worldwide on November 14. Griffith said it was felt that the association would optimise participation from the public attending horse racing. Aerial shots of the event were captured by Caribbean Aerial Photography.

As it relates to awareness, Griffith said Barbadians are aware but the challenge is debunking myths.

“Persons are not optimising the management of diabetes and that results in persons having complications and premature deaths. And that is something that we want to address on a holistic platform.

“At the end of the day it does contribute to our GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in terms of our health expenditure and if we can reduce that cost in some way we will be moving Barbados in a positive direction,” she said. (JH)