Bandar Seri Begawan- The Health Promotion Centre at the Ministry of Health held a two-day 'Diabetes Camp' at its premises in Berakas yesterday and was conducted by nurses and a dietitian from the Diabetes Centre at RIPAS Hospital.

Lectures on adapting a healthy lifestyle and assisting those at risk or already diagnosed with diabetes in achieving their goals were part of the activities organised. Some 19 participants comprising patients with Type 1 and Type 2 (Diabetes Mellitus), aged between 12 and 21 years old took part in the camp, which is a continuation of last year's World Diabetes Day celebration. It aims to provide awareness on diabetes prevention to the public.

The objective of the camp was to introduce the usage of interactive learning programmes to build the participants' self confidence and social skills to better communicate with fellow diabetic patients hence improving their management of diabetes through relevant information garnered.

The World Diabetes Day is an annual event celebrated every November 14 since 1991 and a calendar event for the World Health Organization (WHO) based on the agreement between the International Diabetes Federation and WHO in response to diabetes risks faced by communities worldwide.

Diabetes is one of the major killers in Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Health is actively organising awareness campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles to prevent such illnesses from 'claiming more victims'. The theme for 2009-2013 is "Prevention and Diabetes Education", with the slogan for 2012, "Protect Our Future" which focuses on children and youths.

Lectures on what diabetes is, importance of breakfast, self-monitoring of blood glucose/medication/insulin injection, identifying and managing hypoglycemia, diabetes and exercise were among the topics covered at the camp.

A Diabetes Masterchef Cooking Competition using recipes provided by the dietitian will also be held including a motivational talk. Participants will be awarded with certificates and lucky draws prior to concluding the event.