By JEFFARAH GIBSON
Tribune Features Writer
jgibson@tribunemedia.net
GIVEN the overwhelming number of diabetes cases in the Bahamas, the ACE Diabetes Support Group reaffirmed its commitment this year to continuously bring awareness and educate people on how the disease can be prevented and managed so that little to no complications occur.
Last year, the International Diabetes Federation released the sixth edition of its Diabetes Atlas, which stated that in 2013 there were 37,570 cases of diabetes in the Bahamas and 31,250 cases of pre-diabetes, the condition that leads on to the development of type 2 diabetes.
This reality has motivated the group to take a radical approach in waging war against the disease which started with “Health Power Ups” in January.
Health Power Ups are hands-on, educational, support sessions for those who have diabetes and for those who just want to become healthier. The sessions are conducted throughout the community, including churches. And on March 24 the ACE Diabetes will host a Health Power Up at Golden Gates Native Baptist Church. The group hopes to have at least four Health Power Ups in 2015.
As has been the group’s mission since its inception, ACE Diabetes has pledged to provide opportunities for healthcare professionals to learn more about diabetes and its prevention. This year ACE will host its third healthcare symposium in November.
ACE Diabetes and the Diabetic Research Institute (DRI) recently joined forces to raise awareness about diabetes and to work with children affected by the disease.
ACE Diabetes has provided a free monthly support group called Diabetes Directions. This support group meets the first Monday of each month at the New Providence Community Centre for a time of socialising, dining and education. The support group is open to anyone interested in learning more about diabetes.
“Support is vital for people affected by diabetes,” Nurse Anita Cates, co-founder of ACE Diabetes, told Tribune Health.
“It can be a stressful and emotionally challenging disease. People often experience diabetes burnout. However, this is not inevitable. With support from peers and diabetes educators people do not need to feel alone; they can be uplifted and empowered to be healthy and live a productive, fun life. More and more people are becoming aware that a healthy lifestyle is valuable. Locals are becoming more proactive by exercising and choosing to eat better. However, there is much work to be done, and this is what ACE is committed to – reducing the burden of diabetes in the Bahamas,” she said.
The group is also expected to host a number of activities surrounding World Diabetes Day on November 14. During that time, ACE Diabetes will host its third Diabetes Expo. This year’s event will be filled with prizes, practical educational sessions and more.
For more information, go to www.acediabetes.org.
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