The Maltese Diabetes Association is to conduct free blood sugar monitoring for the public over three days to mark World Diabetes Day on November 14.
The service is to be carried out at the Health Promotion Unit in Merchants Street, Valletta, the Plaza Complex in Sliema and Bay Street in St Julian's on November 14, 15 and 16.
On November 14, the association will join other organisations worldwide involved in the prevention and control of diabetes, to promote awareness, and to educate the public on diabetes.
The initiative is being carried out with the support of three pharmaceutical companies - Alf. Gera & Sons Ltd, Vivian Commercial Ltd and ATG Ltd.
Its purpose is to promote awareness, early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and associated complications.
The association said that like many other chronic medical conditions, diabetes required medical care from a professional team of doctors. However, it was essential that diabetics managed their conditions via careful attention to diet, rigorous timing of self-medication, frequent testing of blood sugar, an exercise regime and regular attendance at a diabetes clinic.
The Maltese Diabetes Association, with the collaboration of ATG Ltd, will also introduce a free identity card for members, which includes the necessary details such as the type of diabetes the card holder suffers from and the treatment the person is on.
The identity card should ensure that members had an effective means of identification, which would prove vital in the event of an accident, or emergency.
The incidence of diabetes in Malta is on the increase and there are currently around 30,000 Maltese suffering from the condition.
There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 that is normally associated with children, who require daily shots of insulin; and Type 2, more commonly found in middle-aged and/or elderly people. With Type 2 Diabetes, a controlled diet, tablets, or insulin are required to control the condition.
Further details on the activities of the association may be obtained from the Maltese Diabetes Association, 116, Melita Street, Valletta, or on tel. 21 221518.