The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE Diabetes Directions support group is hosting its “Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right” event which aims to help people with the disease incorporate healthy eating habits into their lifestyles.

The meetings, presented by the Diabetes Education Network, will be held on a monthly basis and will start on April 7 at the New Providence Community Centre. They will be hosted by Nurse Margaret Daxon and nutritionist Lathera Lotmore.

Diabetes Directions is a free support group for people at risk of diabetes, who have diabetes, or who want to know more about the disease. The group also provides educational information and emotional support.

“During the event information and education on how to incorporate healthy eating into your way of life (will be given out). Attendees will be also able to taste new foods and ask questions. There will be a segment on exercise, too,” said Nurse Anita Cates, clinical director of the Diabetes Education Network.

Nurse Cates said eating right is crucial when a person has diabetes, and as they learn to eat better it will enable them to manage the disease better.

“Eating is one of the cornerstones of diabetes management. It is a vital component to diabetes self-care management. But healthy eating is not the only way to manage diabetes. Diabetes is a complex condition that requires a multi-dimensional approach and balance of exercise and medicine and medical care ,” she said.

Nurse Cates said the event is aimed at assisting people by giving them tips and ideas on how to eat right. She said there are many people who struggle with making the right food choices and the information provided during the meeting will go a long way in helping them.

“I believe that most people, whether they have diabetes or not, struggle with making the right food choices. There is a wealth of information about the subject and we are constantly bombarded with articles in magazines, on the internet and advice from friends and family. This information is often conflicting, confusing and unachievable for most people. Individuals become overwhelmed and feel as though they have failed and give up. People often try to follow plans that are not suited to them, ending in failure and disappointment. They go with current trends thinking that one approach suits all,” she said.

“Good nutritional advice starts with an assessment, including personal and medical goals, lifestyle, finances and ability to make changes. Secondly, a person needs to be involved in the decision-making process and express what foods they like, dislike and what they want to be included in the plan. People are often surprised and excited that cake and other treats are not always off the plan. Nutrition needs to be individualised, monitored and adjusted to achieve the determined goal.

Established in 2011, the Diabetes Education Network aims to address the overwhelming need in the Bahamas for quality treatment and care for people with diabetes or at risk of diabetes.

The network hopes to lead the way in diabetes treatment and education through compassion and research-based care.

“The Diabetes Education Network is committed to increasing public awareness of diabetes, as well as providing a support group for people with the disease, and their families,” Nurse Cates said. “There is a large number of diabetes patients in this country, and having primary care physicians along with a variety of specialists together in one office is a tremendous benefit for our patients.”