Training camp for children at risk for diabetes

THE Diabetes Association of TT (DATT) will host a lifestyle training camp in August for children who are at risk for diabetes.

The free three-day camp will run from August 16 - 18 at the Preysal High School in Couva from 9 am to 4 pm and will accommodate children between the ages of 12 and 17.

DATT president Andrew Dhanoo says the aim is to empower the children and their parents, with knowledge and skills to encourage healthier lifestyles.

In April, the association held a similar camp for children with type one diabetes and, based on requests and feedback, decided to do the same for those with type two.

Speaking with Newsday, Dhanoo said, “We want to raise awareness about the prevalence of children who are overweight and are at risk of diabetes. Primarily, we want to reach these children and work with them to improve and shift or change their lifestyle for them to develop healthier habits.”

The camp will focus on exercise, nutrition and stress management. Day one will consist of educating the children about ways to increase physical activity, healthy food choices, demonstrations of balanced meals, as well as a moderated focus group.

Day two will also include a focus group, but for the parents of the children, as well as a session on informed shopping at supermarkets and risk assessment screenings.

On the final day, there will be a cookoff among the children and a mini sports day.

The association is asking parents, school principals and teachers to identify children within the 12-17 age group with no severe physical or mental deficiencies who have a body mass index (BMI) of above 25kg/m2, presence of acanthosis nigricans (AN) – which is usually evident by dark pigmentation at the back of one’s neck, joints and skin folds, as well as elevated fasting blood sugar.

Those interested can contact the project coordinator, Alicia Seunarine, at 328-3920, or the association at 672-0864 and info@diabetesassociation.com.