Prevention of diabetes is necessary

Willemstad – In connection with World Diabetes Day on 14 November, a national dialogue on diabetes was held in the auditorium of the University of Curaçao. Six panel members from the healthcare sector discussed together with the public about the developments and challenges related to diabetes on the island.

This dialogue was organized by Sokudi, Stichting WGK and Stichting Birgen di Rosario to promote the awareness and prevention of diabetes. The general theme of World Diabetes Day 2018/2019 is "diabetes and family", to give more attention to the impact of diabetes on the family and to increase the support of the network of those affected.

Orojilla Jacobus-Phillip, chairman of Sokudi, started the evening with a short speech about this association for diabetes patients. Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth gave a presentation about the alarming figures of diabetes in Curaçao, the risk factors and complications. The panel members expressed their opinion about proposals that were proposed by moderator Reyna Joe, based on their expertise within the healthcare sector. The panel consisted of Marianela de Lannoy-de Lanoy (dietitian, representative of Sokudi), Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth (epidemiologist), Dr. ir. Yves Scoop (general practitioner), Dr. Rachidah Griffith (internist, endocrinologist), Alvin Daal (representative of the Ministry of GMN) and Padma Jhingoeri (representative of SVB).

The main argument that emerged during the national dialogue was the need for more investment in the prevention of diabetes. According to the panel members, SVB finances the costs associated with the treatment of diabetic patients, but no budget is made available for the prevention of this disease. The influence of the government must also be increased in order to raise awareness about the severity of diabetes.