Left to right: Shery Poitier, Social Action Chair Nurse; Nicole Bain, Diabetic Instructor and Registered Nurse; Lisa Russell Registered Nurse; and Della Bridgewater Chapter President.

Freeport, Bahamas - In recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month, The Grand Bahama Alumnae Chapter (GBAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. welcomed Caribbean Certified Diabetic Instructor and Registered Nurse Nicole Bain as guest speaker during its November monthly meeting held at the Pelican Bay Resort.

Since chartering in 2009, GBAC has conducted an annual Diabetes Awareness Health Fair and education program with the objective to educate the Grand Bahama community on prevention methods of this disease, and to promote healthy lifestyles with the goal of having a healthier community.

Social Action Chair of GBAC, Shery Poitier, explained that as the local Sorority chapter seeks to expand on its diabetes community outreach, Nurse Bain will share proposed strategies with the chapter members in an effort to reduce the impact of diabetes on individuals and healthcare cost. The plan will include advocacy efforts with policy makers for better health resource provisions for improving the wellbeing of those afflicted with diabetes.

"Diabetes is the new epidemic of the 21^st century and according to statistical data from the Grand Bahama Health Services, it accounts for the 2nd most admissions into our hospital and is the 5th leading cause of death due to its complications" shared Nurse Bain "prevalence increases with age as well with obesity and 60% of the Bahamian population are obese."

Diabetes is a condition which the body either cannot make or use insulin properly. Insulin is very important because it regulates the sugar level in the blood and allows the body to use it for energy.

The signs and symptoms of diabetes include: Frequent urination; Increased thirst; Increased hunger; Weight gain or unusual weight loss; Fatigue; Cuts and bruises that do not heal; Male sexual dysfunction; Numbness and tingling in hands and feet.

Nurse Bain noted that in a recent study on the economic costs associated with diabetes in the Bahamas, it was estimated that the total expenditure for patients with diabetes on the medical and surgical wards was over $18 million dollars annually. She states, “ Individuals can reduce the risks and negative implications of diabetes by practicing healthy lifestyles such as eating healthy, being physically active, taking medications, and p roper self-management by patients."

Nurse Bain also emphasized that as a community, we can work together by educating the public about the disease, partnering with others for resources to facilitate better health outcomes of those afflicted with diabetes. Nurse Bain further states, we can improve the management of diabetics by developing or sponsoring paediatric, adolescent and adult diabetes support group advocating for better health resources and collaborating with other government entities to improve the management of diabetics.

GBAC President Della Bridgewater presented Nurse Bain with glucose meters on behalf of the chapter to be distributed to diabetic patients in need and for use by the local diabetic support group.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; to educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in communities. Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has more than 200,000 initiated members and nearly 1,000 chapters worldwide. The Sorority uses its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to create its national programs.