Rani Balloo Diabetes educator

> First of all, what is your experience in the field of diabetes?

Basically, I was a nurse for around twenty years in the public sector. Then, there was a demand for an educator for diabetes. It was a project coordinated by Medical Trading and the laboratory Novonordisk. They were going to set up a programme for the control of diabetes in Mauritius. I applied for the post and they accepted me. And in November and December 2002 I followed a course on diabetes. And in December 2002 , I started working as an educator. During this period, I saw patients of all ages. But in July this year, the Novonordisk laboratory walked out of the project. Hence, today I work only for Medical Trading. Now I have set up an organisation for children (from birth till 20 years old) who are diabetic. I want to concentrate on children, because they need attention and care.

> According to you, what causes such a high number of diabetic people?

There are two types of diabetes. First there is the type which affect children - we do not know its cause. It is like an auto immune disease. But the second type of diabetes is like a life-style issue nowadays. It is partly due to heredity. But it is more specifically due to the present day lifestyle. Indeed, people tend to eat whatever they get and do not prepare food at home very often. They consume a lot of fast-food and fizzy drinks. Moreover, it is due to a sedentary lifestyle. People do not take enough physical exercises and this can lead to diabetes.

> Is there a particular segment of the population which is affected by diabetes in Mauritius?

From what I have seen, diabetes affects everyone from all communities. It affects both rich and poor people.

> The government says that it has taken huge measures to fight diabetes. Do you think that we are well equipped right now?

The government is motivated. But they have to be monitored in what they do. The government should rely a lot on education. They should know how to deal with the people who are at risk of getting diabetes. Since December 2002 I have worked as an educator. I know that the most cost-effective way of dealing with diabetes is education! That does not cost anything! I am ready to help and contribute to educating people about diabetes!

> Nowadays, 150 000 people have diabetes in this country. Is it a number which is increasing or decreasing?

This number is increasing and it will carry on increasing. And believe me, we have been able to carry out a census of 150 000 people, but I am sure another 100 000 have diabetes without knowing that they have this disease as they have never done a blood test. Some people go on like this for seven to ten years. Furthermore, people are not aware and educated enough!

> What are the precautions those people should take?

They should know how to control their diets. Secondly, they must do some exercise everyday, around 30 minutes. Then they should take all the medicines recommended by their doctors. The patients should look after themselves! I can assure you that a patient who has diabetes relies 95% on himself. Others cannot do much for him!