The Tribune

By CARA HUNT

Tribune Features Writer

cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

With more than 35,000 Bahamians living with diabetes and many more who may be considered pre-diabetic, it is extremely important that members of the public "know their numbers" as it relates to blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.

These numbers can be important indications of overall health and a predisposition to the disease and how it is managed.

"There is power in knowing your numbers. Knowing the state of your health can help you make informed decisions about preventing health problems, or treating issues before they become more serious," said family physician Dr Graham Cates, ACE Diabetes founder and president.

The ACE Foundation as established in 2012 to address the overwhelming need in the Bahamas for diabetes awareness and the challenge of managing diabetes on a daily basis. And the foundation will be hosting its biggest health expo yet on November 30.

"ACE stands for Awareness, Compassion and Education," Dr Cates explained.

He emphasised that the many of the challenges and complications of diabetes can be overcome with proper lifestyle action such as diet, exercise and maintaining a relationship with your health care provider.

"One in seven Bahamians are diabetic and there is a direct correlation to our obesity rate, which is 60 percent. The Bahamas is leading in obesity. At this expo we want people to know the things that they should be doing such as managing their weight and their cholesterol, which comes through proper diet and exercise," he said.

"We have been doing this expo for the last four years and this year is our largest to date. We will have 50 health providers on hand at the event which is totally free to the public."

Dr Cates said the good news is that there are now more options than ever for diabetes management, prevention and healthy living.

"It isn't just about diabetes," added Nurse Anita Cates, ACE Diabetes co-founder. "The aim of this expo is to increase awareness about chronic illness and to help the community make better, healthier lifestyle choices. We want people to have fun as they talk with the experts, get screened, and explore the wealth of resources and demonstrations."

The ACE Diabetes Health Expo will bring together a variety of organisations within the community to present information about health-related products and services.

"These events have been extremely well-attended, with a mixture of children and adults from all walks of life, it's fantastic to see all of the families that come out," said Nurse Cates. "There will be tons of prizes and giveaways, a grand raffle, demonstrations, presentations, free routine testing and health screenings, including for sleep apnoea, foot screening, eye screening, physiotherapy assessments, and so much more. We have something for everyone."

The ACE Diabetes Health Expo is set for Saturday, November 30, from 10am to 2pm at the Baha Mar Convention Centre.