World Diabetes Prevention Day Set For Aug 14

The International Diabetes Federation will recognize World Diabetes Prevention Day on August 14.

A spokesperson said, “The International Diabetes Federation has established Monday, August 14th to be recognized as World Diabetes Prevention Day. August 14th falls exactly three months before World Diabetes Day, recognized globally on November 14th.

“On August 14th, the Bermuda Diabetes Association will host a series of initiatives to educate the public on diabetes prevention, including free health screenings, a lunch and learn and a risk assessment tool available to everyone to identify their risk of having prediabetes.

“The objective of Diabetes Prevention Day is to create greater public awareness of prediabetes as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and establish a call to action for those with prediabetes to learn how to reduce their risk of progression to diabetes.”

Diabetes Educator, Sarah Bosch de Noya, said, “More than half a billion people [537 million] worldwide are living with diabetes, and a further 541 million adults worldwide are estimated to have prediabetes, a condition where blood glucose levels are above normal but not yet at diabetes levels. It’s possible, with awareness of the condition and intervention, for people with prediabetes to return their blood glucose levels to normal.

“However, many people are not aware that they have prediabetes and therefore are at increased risk of going on to develop type 2 diabetes. People who develop prediabetes have a three times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease.

“Our incidence of diabetes here in Bermuda, estimated at 13%, is higher than the global average of 10% so any initiative to halt the rise of diabetes in our community is an important one.”

The spokesperson said, “Plan to visit the Hilton Hill Diabetes Resource Centre on 22 Princess Street to take part in any of the events during Diabetes Prevention Day:

• 10am-12pm: Free blood sugar and blood glucose testing in the parking area- weather permitting.

• 10am-12pm: Free blood test, known as the HBA1c test which will indicate, at the time of testing, if you have prediabetes. This would be appropriate if you have a strong family history of diabetes and have not had blood tests recently with your GP. Registration in advance is required, and spaces are limited.

• 12:30-1:30pm: Free lunch and Learn: Diabetes Prevention is Possible! Learn how to prevent Type 2 diabetes. Presentation delivered by Sara Bosch de Noya, Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for the Bermuda Diabetes Association. A boxed lunch will be provided and sign up in advance is required. Spaces are limited.

“Visit their website www.diabetes.bm for further information and sign up online or call at 297-8427.”

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