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3-day diabetes training held at PIC
Participants discuss assignments given to them during the Pacific Diabetes Self-Management Education Program Training held at the Pacific Islands Club on Dec 1. (Michael T. Santos)
Stakeholders from different agencies and sections in the CNMI community were taught the basics of diabetes self-management and how to cascade these methods to the rest of the CNMI.
The three-day diabetes training program was held at the Pacific Islands Club from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.
The Pacific Diabetes Self-Management Education Program Training focused on how to implement a diabetes self-management education curriculum derivative from one made in Hawaii. It is the only culturally tailored diabetes self-management curriculum available for Pacific islanders.
Washington State University assistant professor and DSME instructor Ka’imi A. Sinclair conducted the training.
“I was really pleased to come out here and provide this training to people. Diabetes is a big problem all over the world and especially out in the Pacific. So there is definitely a need for something like this,” said Sinclair.
“Being remote as you are here [on Saipan], it really is difficult to get the same kind of healthcare you can get in the mainland. So it’s important to prevent a lot of the complications with diabetes. Several people have even shared how they had to receive amputations due to their condition. It’s important to train people on how to handle their diabetes so they can live a long and fulfilling life,” Sinclair said.
Training participants learned about variable aspects in dealing with people that have diabetes in the Pacific.
Becky Robles, Non-Communicable Disease Bureau administrator, said, “What they provide here aren’t just reading materials. It’s very hands on and helps us figure out how to implement these practices in our respective programs.”
“I think we all know someone who has diabetes, and information can help avoid or treat it. The more knowledge and education we have, the better. The three-day program is a great way to disseminate information to people who wish to address the issue of diabetes in our community,” Robles said.
