An interview session with a diabetic View photo »

The experience of living with diabetes was shared on Friday with members of staff at the Ministry of Health together with taxi operators and other members of the general public who interact regularly with the Ministry's staff.

A senior member of staff of the Ministry of Health told the staff in a mock interview with the Chief Nutritionist Officer - Ms Juanita James that when she was diagnosed as a diabetic, it became a shock to her.

She however, educated herself in order to cope with this condition and began eating healthy and got involved in regular physical exercise, such as walking.

The staff member, who has been living with diabetes for ten years, commented that stress is one of the major factors leading to diabetes. She is encouraging persons to exercise regularly and eat healthy.

Meanwhile, Ms James revealed that diabetes is a growing problem throughout the world, and anyone can get diabetes. Risk factors for diabetes which were discussed during the health promotion exercise were age, family history of diabetes, overweight and obesity and physical inactivity.

It was also noted that women who had given birth to babies weighing 9-pounds and over were at increased risk of developing diabetes later in life.

World Diabetes Day (WDD) was first observed in 1991 to increase awareness globally about diabetes and its complications

This year's WDD is focusing on taking care of the feet, and the members of staff at the Ministry of Health were treated with a demonstration on foot care by Mrs. Constance Moe.

She explained that persons should check their feet daily for cuts, blisters bruises or colour changes, swelling and open sores, and to avoid walking barefoot at all times

As part of the health promotion demonstration, a fruit and vegetable dish was prepared by The Epicurean, while other citrus such as oranges were provided by the Christian Valley Agriculture Station and water was supplied by the Antigua Home and Office Depot.

On Monday 14th November - which is World Diabetes Day, a walk will be held from the Yasco Grounds at 5:00 a.m., while other members of the general public are being encouraged to walk for half an hour on the day. Other activities planned for the day are: a Message by the Minister of Health - John Maginley and a workshop on the Clinical management of diabetes in primary care.

World Diabetes Day will be commemorated under the slogan: "Diabetes and Foot Care: Put Feet First Prevent Amputations".

Digital photos compliments the Ministry of Health