World Diabetes Day Fair Hosted in Belize City

November fourteenth marks World Diabetes Day, a time when people come together to share information and resources about diabetes. In our region, non-communicable diseases like diabetes remain a leading cause of death each year. To help Belizeans lead healthier lives, the Belize Diabetes Association hosted its annual World Diabetes Health Fair, offering free services to the public. Earlier today, News Five’s Britney Gordon dropped by to get the scoop.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

In 2023, an average of three people were diagnosed with diabetes every day, according to the Ministry of Health. Even more alarming, every other day, someone loses their life to diabetes or its complications. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Diabetes is treatable and manageable. Today, at the World Diabetes Day Health Fair, health organizations are stepping up to help control diabetes diagnoses in Belize.

 

Dr. Alain Gonzalez, Belize City Lion’s Club

“So today we are having a health fair. And we are trying to bring awareness to the public, because, I mean, prevention is always better than cure.  And so, we have different organizations out here today. We have Red Cross with us, we have Kidney Association with us. We have the Coast Guards are also doing some testing. We have Cancer Society you have the Belize City Lion’s Club as well. And of course this has been sponsored or organized by the Belize Diabetes Association.”

 

The fair was held at Constitution Park in Belize City, bringing together several associations to assist with testing. Doctor Alaine Gonzalez, of the Belize City Lion’s Club, highlighted some of the services offered.

 

Dr. Alain Gonzalez

“We’re doing different types of testing today. Of course, we’re doing a sugar test or glucose test. We’re doing a pressure testing, you know, hypertension. We’re doing as well a COVID 19 testing. We’re doing HIV testing, and of course we’re giving health information about these different illnesses. About diabetes, about hypertension, about kidney disease, about circulation. So you can get a wealth of information if you come out to this testing today.”

 

The Belize Coast Guard was also at the event, sharing valuable information about the health services they offer at their compound.

 

Brian Bardales, Medical Officer, Belize Coast Guard

“Basically blood pressure blood pressure, glucose check, enlighten them about what we do. Have a patient come in complain about certain sickness, we would remedy that if we can. If not, we would forward them to the BDF camp for further assistance.”

 

Medical Officer, Brian Bardales explains that anyone feeling unwell can stop by for a check-up.

 

Brian Bardales

“If we’re at camp and the individual feels sick or something like that, if they don’t want to go at the outpost at KHMH, so they can go into camp, and once we can help them we help them.”

 

Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to blindness, kidney failure, amputations, and even death if not managed properly. However, a diabetes diagnosis isn’t a death sentence. Dr. Gonzalez explains that with a commitment to healthier eating and taking medications as prescribed, diabetics can live long, fulfilling lives.

 

Dr. Alain Gonzalez

“These are diseases that can be prevented with just lifestyle changes. I mean, if we exercise more, if we change our diet, we If we consume more water, if we’re conscious about living a healthier lifestyle, then we can prevent many of these diseases, diseases.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.