The Diabetes Association of Dominica (DOMDA) recently held its Annual General Meeting with the theme, “The Family and Diabetes: Are We Drinking Ourselves to the Grave?” The conference was held at the Goodwill Parish Hall on 25th, July 2019, and focused on the dangers of consuming sugary drinks.
Public health nutritionist and president of the Antigua Diabetes Association, Juanita James, was the chief speaker at the occasion. She revealed that drinking sugar-sweetened drinks carries the risks of diabetes, and that many favorite foods consumed by people in the region have high sugar levels.
A public display of the sugar levels in most foods was demonstrated to attendees at the meeting. For instance, the facilitators demonstrated that the following food articles have the listed number of sugar:
- Festival biscuit – 11 teaspoons of sugar
- Peanut butter – 12 teaspoons of sugar
- Cardinal cream milk – 4 teaspoons of sugar
The same is true of beverage drinks such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite and hundreds of other processed food products.
Marvyln Birmingham, president of DOMDA, addressed the conference via live video from abroad. She stated that almost every individual is prone to diabetes and not just people with a family history. She went on to disclose that excessive intake of sugar in processed foods and sweetened drinks is harmful to children and adults alike.
Birmingham made it known that DOMDA established a Foot Care Program, a Hearing Care Program, and a Mini Health Fair to celebrate the World Diabetes Day not too long ago. Then she thanked the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association and the St.Kitts Diabetes Association for the assistance to DOMDA following the incident of Hurricane Maria.
This article is copyright © 2019 DOM767
