by Miguel Mauricette, Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health is highlighting 15 years of support and the positive impact the Saint Lucia Diabetes Project has had on the lives of Saint Lucians and, by extension, the country’s health sector.
The Saint Lucia Diabetes Project is a charitable organization from the UK which provides doctors and nurses with training and a wealth of knowledge to assist patients and individuals living with diabetes to better manage their conditions.
Mary Matthias is the Founder and chairperson for the Saint Lucia Diabetes Project.
“Coming here, we are probably recreating what they already know, but at least adding some extras of what we do in the UK. Diabetes is something which is worldwide and you can never have too much knowledge about diabetes. Medicines change, research uncovers new things, and it is good to be able to impart these to other people to other health professionals and of course to patients. So by informing health professionals, they in turn will pass it on to patients.”
The program commenced on Oct. 8. It will run for two weeks. Health professionals from the north of the island will be engaged at the Saint Lucia National Mental Wellness Centre while health professionals from the south will be engaged at the St. Jude Hospital.
Trainer Jenny Bentley said this training sessions encourage self care.
“There are a lot of diabetic patients in Saint Lucia, the diabetic clinics are extremely busy and we are trying to enable patients to do as much for themselves as they can, to keep themselves as well as possible, and avoid foot ulcers to prevent hospital admissions.”
Bentley added that lifestyle changes play an integral role in preventing and controlling the disease.
“Healthy eating is a huge part of this, it is one of the main things we are focusing on at this training. So it is not just what you eat but the portion control size as well. Also, as people get older they do need to keep moving because inactivity is another risk factor for diabetes.”
Bentley said that St. Jude Hospital has recorded a reduction in amputations. She applauds Saint Lucians for implementing self-management strategies in their daily lives.
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