On November 7, American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine sponsored a Diabetes Health Awareness Fair at the Epicurean supermarket. The fair demonstrated the importance of finding balance in the proper management of diabetes. More than 60 people attended the fair.

AUA medical student Mary Peters, a member of the Antigua Federation of Medical Students and the Asthma League, organized the event. The fair was joined by the Diabetes Association of Antigua and AUA clubs the Emergency Medicine Interest Group, Glaucoma Interest Group, Sickle Cell Interest Group, and the Psychiatric Interest Group-PSYSIG WISE Program.

“The Diabetes Health Fair is an AUA student-driven effort to facilitate awareness and emphasize the importance of managing diabetes in the local community,” said Peters.

The health fair provided invaluable information to the general public. Each participant met with student doctors for a comprehensive patient history and physical assessments. Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Sudha Kannavar and PSYSIG-WISE conducted a survey on stress to analyze health patterns in Antigua, which was requested by the Antigua & Barbuda Ministry of Health.

“Each patient received a blood glucose test that helped us grade them according to the standards of Diabetes Association of Antigua,” said Dr. Kannavar. “Depending on the category, we were able to educate and counsel the patients to follow up as needed with clinical physicians.”

Health fair participant and local community member Johnette Gonzalez praised the event.

“The student doctor listened to my concerns, spent time addressing them, and thoroughly examined my blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and reflexes,” said Gonzalez. “I would definitely visit a fair like this in the future.”