On Oct. 17, a new program will be launched at Eulalie Rivera K-8 School to treat and prevent childhood diabetes. The program will be run by the V.I. Diabetes Center of Excellence, the V.I. Education Department and the Bennie and Martha Benjamin Foundation.
The initiative will identify, educate and empower children who may be at risk for diabetes. Initially, students in the fourth and fifth grades at Rivera School and those who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes will be screened.
According to Sash Ogarro with the V.I. Diabetes Center of Excellence, more than 100 children at the school have already been identified as possibly having symptoms.
Frequent urination, excessive thirst, dark patches on the skin and being frequently tired are the symptoms according to Ogarro. She said there is no specific age group with more cases – diabetes treats children equally.
The Diabetes Center’s staff comprises physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, endocrinologists, and ophthalmologists who provide individual care for patients as well as self-management classes and referrals to specialists. The center also conducts research.
VIDCOE’s holistic approach to diabetes includes regular doctor visits, diet, exercise, education, and focused exams. Annual checkups for people with diabetes should include vision, teeth, feet and a physical exam. Those with diabetes should check blood and glucose levels daily.
The children who test positive for diabetes will be enrolled in interactive education sessions that focus on healthy eating habits, increased physical activity and making positive lifestyle choices. For more information, visit www.vidcoe.org.
Ogarro said the center’s plan is to expand the program to other schools, eventually.
