Belize Diabetes Association Hosts Summer Camp for Members with Type 1 Diabetes

The Belize Diabetes Association (BDA) is hosting a special summer camp for its members with Type 1 Diabetes, also known as Juvenile Diabetes. This year’s camp is sponsored by the Belize Diabetes, Heart and Stroke Association of New York (BDHSANY) and is being held at the Belize City ITVET. The camp will see the participation of 30 youths over the next three days. Tylon Tillett, Diabetes Educator for the BDA, spoke on the activities being carried out at the camp. Ava Tucker, a representative of the BDHSANY, spoke on the association’s support and hopes for future initiatives. 

One of the participants, 23-year-old Ladyville resident Isha Garbutt, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes before the age of 10. She shared the difficulties of growing up with the condition and how going to the camps helped to change her perspective on life.

The Belize Diabetes Association was founded in 1991. The association supports its members with medication, test strips, and blood glucose machines to monitor their blood sugar. The BDA also holds regular information sessions with various medical professionals for its membership.