PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — World Diabetes Day, marked every year on November 14 was created in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2020 is The Nurse and Diabetes. Nurses are vital in the fight against diabetes, as they help patients understand, and cope with the condition.
People with diabetes are paying a particularly high price. Not only do they have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease and death when infected, but many are having difficulty accessing the treatment they need due to disruptions to essential health services.
Though we are all learning more about COVID-19 daily, diabetic patients should remain cautious and follow the below steps:
- Wash your hands frequently, always avoid touching your face.
- Stay away from anyone who you know is sick.
- Ask family and friends who are sick to avoid visiting you.
- Always stay at least 2-meters apart from any other person when in public.
- Minimize, and if possible, completely avoid, going to places with large crowds – this includes the stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies. When possible, ask a friend or relative who is healthy to purchase necessary items for you.
- Wear a face mask for protection when in public spaces.
“One of my priorities as Minister of Public Health is to ensure the establishment of podiatric care on Sint Maarten. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Diabetes Foundation, nurses and medical professionals on Sint Maarten for all their hard work and dedication in the field. Together we will strengthen our primary care to improve the quality of life for those with diabetes,” said Minister Panneflek.
