Diabetes to be taken seriously

MORANT BAY, St Thomas

Tests taken by technicians from the Diabetes Association of Jamaica at a health fair sponsored by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education Fund (CHASE) for residents of Morant Bay, St Thomas, recently have revealed that a number of persons were ignoring the seriousness of their diabetic status and had to be referred to their health-care provider for follow-up treatment. The fair was held at the Rudolph Elder Park.

According to Mrs Lola Neckles, branch manager of the Diabetes Association, this condition is not "just a little sugar" as some describe it, but if not properly managed can result in stroke, blindness, heart attacks and do damage to the liver and kidney.

"Many persons who have the disease continue to act irresponsibly by their poor eating habits and not taking their medication as prescribed by their caregiver," said Neckles.

Among the poor eating habits described by Neckles were meals with an enormous amount of starch, fried and fatty foods and high sugar content. "All food groups have a certain amount of sugar, so diabetics need not consume foods with high amounts of sugar. The only time something sweet is needed is when patients are experiencing low blood sugar episodes," she said.

Low blood-sugar symptoms

Some of the symptoms of a low blood-sugar episode include unusual sweating, feelings of disorientation, and shaking. She warned that low blood-sugar episodes should be acted on immediately as diabetics could go into a coma which sometimes result in death. The person experiencing an episode, should immediately be given a liquid fruit juice (not diet drinks) and a meal shortly after to raise the blood sugar back to its normal level.

In continuing her valuable lessons, Neckles encouraged diabetics to take frequent A1c tests which give a reading of the patient's blood-sugar history over a three-month period. This, she said, helped caregivers to have a clear picture of the diabetic's status and whether they are at risk for developing complications. She recommends the test three times per year for persons with non-controlled diabetes and those with controlled diabetes, once per year.

The Diabetes Association manager pointed to the grave challenges that diabetics face when they show lack of interest in their illness. Among them was loss of limbs and eyesight, which she said can be a life-changing experience and have negative and burdensome impacts on the patient and their families.

"If diabetes is controlled all complications can be avoided. With regular exercise, education on the condition, sugar level and blood-pressure checks, as well as a proper meal plan, diabetics can live a healthy life," said Neckles.

CAPTION: Residents of Morant Bay in St Thomas turned out in numbers to take the opportunity of the free health screening at the recently held CHASE-sponsored health fair. Among the tests administered were blood pressure, eye screening, and HIV tests as well as tests for cholesterol levels and dental check-ups. Presentations were also made by the Ministry of Health, the Diabetes Association of Jamaica and the Office of Disaster Preparedness. - Contributed

CAPTION: Residents of Morant Bay, St Thomas, receiving eye screening during the recently held CHASE-Sponsored health fair. Other tests such as blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and screening for HIV were done as well as presentations by the Ministry of Health, the Diabetes Association of Jamaica and the Office of Disaster Preparedness. - Contributed