504 Gozitans participated in the 2nd phase of the diabetes awareness campaign “Accu-chek ‘in Gozo” co-ordinated by Vivian Corporation with the collaboration of the Gozo General Hospital and community pharmacies. The Pharmacists reported a general increase in the number of queries on diabetes and blood glucose monitoring suggesting that the objective of creating awareness on the condition and changing attitudes to a positive outlook to diabetes has been achieved since the campaign’s onset in September 2011.

The final results of the campaign were presented during a presentation hostd by Vivian Corporation at Arka Foundation in Ghajnsielem, Gozo, an event which was attended by a number of doctors, pharmacists and nurses practising in Gozo.

Welcoming all those present during the event, Joanna Cremona, Executive Director at Vivian Corporation thanked all the professionals that participated and showed interest in this awareness campaign. In her opening address, she said that, “Vivian Corporation is a company that puts its mission and its values into practice. Our interests are based on delivering healthcare but more importantly, we seek to celebrate life across all our campaigns.”

The official results of the diabetes study were presented by Yan Grima, Product Specialist at Vivian Corporation who noted how a significant number of results that were obtained during the study were above normal recommended values. “808 blood glucose tests were carried out in total during Phase 1 and Phase 2, 221 of which were fasting test and 587 were random (non fasting). 30% of fasting tests were above 5.6mmol/L (recommended blood glucose level in fasting conditions) whilst 14% of random rests were above 8.0mmol/L (recommended blood glucose in random conditions).”

On the basis of these results, a forum followed amongst all healthcare professional in order to improve the situation in Gozo by putting in place rigorous preventative measures and instill a change in attitude towards diabetes awareness and control.

Dr Robert Sciberras, Consultant Physician at Gozo General Hospital noted how from that more people seem to be accepting a condition which is not normal. “We have a very serious situation here, that diabetes is so common that people are no longer afraid of it. Similar to diabetes, we have the issue of child obesity which has reached very urgent levels across Malta and Gozo. People need to understand that obesity too may lead to diabetes and that today’s obesity will translate into future problems.”

From the discussion that followed, a number of very important points emerged namely that diabetes has a big weight not only on the suffering individual but on society at large and that there exists a lack and a need for a structural educational support system that educates children from a very young age about the importance of healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle in general. During the discussion, those present agreed that the way forward should be that all those involved in the health sector should come together and deliver education and support in a structured way involving all available channels. As such, it was argued that local councils could play a very important role in this issue.

It was also noted that there may be a lack of services, such as that of a psychologist for the newly diagnosed patients. The need for a functional multi-disciplinary team is essential to guide people on how to live with diabetes with a positive outlook to their condition.

“The message that we want to put across is very clear and straightforward,” added Mr Grima. Blood glucose monitoring is the key for the prevention and management of diabetes, a condition which does not only affect the individual’s lifestyle but also those around them. No one can pretend that the risk is not there. Knowing is the best way to safeguard one’s future without complications.”

We are witnessing alarming figures in diabetes. Diabetes now affects approximately 346 million people worldwide. The past 5 years has seen the number of people with diabetes increase by 27%. Locally, some 10% of the population suffer from diabetes. Apart from the effect diabetes has on one’s life, the economic burden of healthcare costs should also be taken into consideration. The WHO reports that diabetes care, costs 2.5-15% of the total direct health care expenditure.

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