Lecture to dispel myths about diabetes
The Barbados Drug Service in collaboration with the Abbott Nutrition will soon be hosting a public lecture for the benefit of Barbadians, entitled, “No More Sugar Coating: Dispelling The Myths About Diabetes.”
The free interactive public lecture will be held on September 19th at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael from 7:00 p.m. to 8:3 p.m.
The lecture will address various myths and misconceptions about diabetes and highlight the multidisciplinary treatment needed to mitigate the condition. Featured speakers include local Diabetes Specialist Dr. Carlisle Goddard who will kick off the evening’s presentations followed by Clinical Pharmacist Trudy Griffith, who is also President of the Diabetes Association of Barbados.
Registered Dietitian Meshell Carrington will highlight the nutritional aspects often misunderstood and Trinidadian Kidney Specialist Dr. Emile Mohammed will discuss the many renal issues that present as a complication of uncontrolled diabetes. The linkages between diabetes, nutrition, medication and the kidney will be highlighted, showing how each and one is interlinked.
The organisers have meanwhile pointed out that understanding diabetes is key to managing it.
Understanding the role of medication and the importance of compliance in controlling blood sugar is also integral to successful diabetes management and reducing risk of complications.
“In a country like Barbados where obesity, inactivity and poor dietary choices are prevalent, the role of nutrition is paramount to controlling and preventing diabetes. Nutrition is often misunderstood as it is often thought, for example, that avoiding foods with “sugar” or “sweet foods” means avoiding diabetes or avoiding a spike in blood glucose. But what is sugar? Do only “sweet foods” contain sugar? With all this misunderstood, with myths abound, complications are likely to arise…These issues and more will be discussed at this free public education session,” the organisers have noted.
Pre-lecture activities include health checks by the Diabetes Association of Barbados and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados with diabetes education by the Diabetes Centre of the Barbados Diabetes Foundation. Abbott Nutrition will be doing product sampling and giveaways, with a special feature of its “Glucerna” drink, used in the management of diabetes. The pre-lecture activities start at 5:30 p.m. Free transportation will be provided by the Barbados Transport Board to the Princess Alice and Fairchild Street Bus Terminals. (RSM)