Diabetes Association promotes healthy lifestyles

Today World Diabetes Day was observed in a ceremony that included testimonials and an address by the Minister of Human Development Sylvia Flores. This year’s focus centred on the theme “Put Feet First, Prevent Amputation.” In 2003, a total of five hundred and thirty-six diabetics were hospitalised and of that number seventy-two died due to complications. According to B.D.A. Secretary Anthony Castillo, who is also a diabetic, the goal is to raise awareness and get as many people as possible to start living a healthy lifestyle.

Anthony Castillo, Secretary, Belize Diabetes Assn.
?Presently the Government of Belize along with PAHO is conducting an exercise to look at the prevalence of diabetes in Belize. That exercise is not yet completed, but preliminary indications are saying that quite a significant number of Belizeans are living with this illness at this time.?

?Initially, I think a diabetic person should first check with his or her doctor. He or she would then be told exactly how they can manage their diabetes be it Type One or Type Two. If you are Type One, then I guess you will be placed on insulin; Type 2 with proper dieting, exercise, and medication you should be able to live a fairly healthy life. But my advice first is to check with the doctor as I said earlier, taking a bit from the slogan of HIV, get tested, know your status, know where you are at as it relates to diabetes and you will be able to be guided. It?s an illness you will be able to live with.?

Following the ceremony a number of people received free blood checks.