To commemorate World Health Day ( April 7) and its global theme for 2016, “Beat Diabetes,” the Carnegie Free Lending Library, located at Coffee and Prince of Wales Streets, San Fernando, hosted the lecture titled “Fifty Shades of Diabetes” on April 6. Following the lecture, free diabetes testing was conducted.

With diabetes on the rise globally, facilitator Dr. Joel David Teelucksingh, Internal Medicine Consultant, Diabetes/Endocrinology at the San Fernando General Hospital, informed participants about facts on diabetes, while urging them to take preventative measures.

Dr Teelucksingh shared with attendees, the stunning fact that almost every 30 seconds someone worldwide dies from complications arising from diabetes. He added that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness and amputations and stressed the importance of regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, and role a healthy breakfast can play in reducing the risk of diabetes.

Persons are invited to visit public libraries across the country as well as access online resource material, via the NALIS website at www.nalis.gov.tt, to find out about diabetes, lifestyle risks, preventative measures and the latest medical research pertaining to this disease.