The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net 

THE first symposium hosted by the Diabetic Research Institute will shine a light on oral health and its direct relation to diabetes.

The “Oral Health and Diabetes” will feature guest speaker Dr Kenneth Alleyne, who will provide guests with wide range of information on the importance of oral hygiene. The general public is invited to attend the symposium on March 31 at 5.30pm at the institute. 

According to Coral Dean, a registered nurse and programme coordinator, the forum will raise awareness of the importance of understanding the signs of diabetes and the roles they play in regards to your mouth, or how diabetes can affect your smile. 

“Diabetes affects your body’s ability to process sugar. All foods you eat is turned into sugar and used for energy. In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin, a hormone that carries sugar from your blood into the cells for energy. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond to insulin or use it effectively. In both cases the result is high blood sugar levels, which can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of the body,” she told Tribune Health. 

Guests will be exposed to the basic facts about diabetes, why people with diabetes are prone to gum disease, the importance of regular dental visits, and how your dentist can help.

“Periodontal disease is the most common dental disease affecting people living with diabetes especially as a person age. People with diabetes are at a higher risk for gum problems because of poor sugar control. Severe gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise as is the case with any infection and this makes diabetes more difficult to control. Because diabetics are more susceptible to infections, they are less able to fight bacteria that may enter the gums,” said Nurse Dean.

The Diabetic Research Institute is a non-profit organisation which has been in operation for the past 15 years. Its sole benefactor is Harold McPike. 

The institute serves the Bahamian public by providing free education and support for persons with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Its aim is to assist individuals to live healthier and longer lives.

The institute also provides individual and group education, free screenings and symposiums by qualified healthcare providers on topics pertinent to the diabetic client and their families. 

The groups are separated into Type 1 Children’s Club, TEAM (the young adult arm), type 2 groups, and the parent support groups.

The institute hopes to offer evidence-based education and support to type 1 and type 2 diabetics, empowering them with the self-care management skills necessary to improve quality of life

This year, the Diabetic Research Institute has taken on the role as a platinum sponsor for CARIFTA 2017 Swimming and Water Polo Championships.

The games will be held here in Nassau, April 7 - 9 and April 15 - 19.