CO-CHAIRMAN of the University Diabetes Outreach Programme (UDOP), Dr Alverston Bailey, last week described ganja as the “healing of the nation” while briefing the media on the 22nd International Diabetes Conference, which is set for this week in Montego Bay, St James.

Dr Bailey said the three-day conference, which will run from April 28-April 30 at the Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Resort in Rose Hall, promises to be exciting as local and international presenters will explore the role of marijuana in the prevention, treatment and management of diabetes, under the theme: ‘Diabetes and the Nervous System: Is there a role for cannabis compounds?’

The conference will feature several scientific sessions, the delivery of distinguished lectures as well as exhibits. Among the issues to be examined are the effects of ganja on blood sugar levels, overweight and the alleviation of symptoms, especially the pain from damaged nerves.

Dr Bailey said the conference is open to everyone and that the hosts, UDOP – which comprises the University of the West Indies, Northern Caribbean University, University of Technology, Jamaica, and the Diabetes Association of Jamaica — is sharing information to ensure the healing of the nation.

The expected benefit of the conference, according to the organisers, is an improved approach to health care practices across the country. It is also expected to enhance the understanding of the public with whom the discussions will be shared.

Started in 1993, UDOP’s purpopse is to update the health care team on best practices and latest research findings and so improve health care delivery to the population.

The organisers explained that the person with diabetes is the focal point of the health care team, so the information disseminated is usually translated and couched to ensure optimal understanding at the level of the medical practitioner and the general public.

Diabetes management is a significant cost to the public purse, accounting for some three per cent of GDP, according to the Pan American Health Organisation. The annual UDOP conference is a major activity aimed at reducing this burden.

According to UDOP, diabetes prevalence stood at 17.9 per cent in the 15+ age group in 1993 when the programme was started. In 2011, according to the conference organisers, diabetes prevalence in the same age group was reported as 7.9 per cent – a dramatic reduction.

UDOP organisers therefore believe that the annual updates and their applications in the field have contributed to the reduced prevalence.

— Anika Richards