The Ministry of Health on Monday launched a teacher’s manual that provides basic information on diabetes to help them to manage children who suffer with the condition, as part of observances for World Diabetes Day.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, the manual is expected to help build knowledge about the condition, thereby enabling them to effectively manage children who may be diabetic while they are at school. The Rotary Club is also playing a key role in this area and will be visiting the schools that have registered children with diabetes to interact with the staff.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Shamdeo Persaud said when diabetes occurs in childhood, it is as a result of an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Globally, about 340 million people are affected by diabetes, with 80% of that number representing people in developing countries. The risk for diabetes is very complex and most times it is related to people’s lifestyles–diet, lack of exercise and stress levels—which is why there is a thrust to provide early diagnostic care, including testing and treatment.
The ministry has also been implementing several programmes aimed at addressing complications from diabetes such as neurological problems and damage to the eye and foot. With assistance from the Canadian International Development Agency, Guyana has been able to establish foot care clinics at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and regional diabetic foot centres in regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six, GINA said. Since the start of the Guyana Diabetic Foot Project, there has been a reduction by about 50% in the number of amputees at the GPHC.
In addition, the establishment of the National Ophthalmology Centre in Port Mourant, Region Six and eye care outreach exercises conducted by the Regional Health Services significantly contributes to the detection of diabetes and its treatment, with regards to the eye. On the other hand, it must be noted that many persons can use oral medication to control diabetes instead of insulin.
Dr Persaud noted that programmes are also in place to address Type 1 diabetes, which affects youths.
“In this case, efforts are directed through support to over 30 children (Type 1 diabetics) who are provided with testing kits and materials to monitor their illness,” GINA said, adding that the ministry also facilitates special youth camps for children affected by this condition and their families to boost awareness, care and management of diabetes. Persaud also noted that the ministry is promoting self-monitoring of diabetes, in between visits to a health care provider, since many people now have their own testing devices.
GINA also said that in an effort to boost awareness, several health professionals are undergoing training in the various aspects of diabetic care, and at the end of the programme it is expected that 350 health workers will be equipped with this skill. The training focuses on diabetes and hypertension management, particularly addressing areas including the patient’s diet, weight loss, physical activity and medication.
In her address, Pan American Health Organisation Representative, Dr. Beverly Barnett, noted that a political declaration was signed in September regarding tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The declaration will see all United Nations member states responding to NCDs in a coordinated manner and will accommodate cross-sectoral efforts.
