ROTARY GRANT AWARDED FOR DIABETES GARDENS AND EDUCATION In May 2011 we were awarded a Rotary International Grant for a diabetes gardens and education project in Crimea, Ukraine. We will be providing general diabetes education through a day of action in Simferopol and over 100 gardens for children and their families to grow low glucose vegetables, seeds, tools and fertilizers. Dr Larry Deeb, world reknowned expert on pediatric diabetes, will be traveling to Crimea in 2012 to provide education to endocrinologists.
Crimea has a documented increase in children under six diagnosed with diabetes. In 2008 254 children were being treated for type I diabetes at the Children’s Hospital in Simferopol, by 2009 this number had increased to 300. The director of the Children’s Hospital, Dr Alexander Astakov and his staff are caring and deeply involved in the maintenance and treatment of their pediatric diabetic patients. The staff is among the best professionally but funding and budgetary considerations have lead to problems in diabetes management and educational program delivery.
There is no budget in place for the purchase of glucometers for diabetic children. While every effort is made in hospital for the use of high quality insulin, the families of diabetic individuals often have to rely on poorly standardized local insulin, this has lead to an alarming increase in the complications associated with poorly controlled diabetes.
In 2011 District 6940 Rotary clubs, Rotary clubs in Crimea, Ukraine; Massachusetts, and the Foundation for Children of Tallahassee, Florida began a Diabetes education program. The American Association of Diabetes Educators have found that diabetes education and intervention can be almost as effective as the medical therapy in controlling weight. In addition there is a sustained reduction in the average blood glucose levels (A1c) .
The centerpiece of our program is the diabetes garden. Most families in and around Simferopol have small family gardens. Vegetables and grains are the least expensive items in the local diet. Gardening is a way of stretching the family budget. Not all vegetables are good for diabetics. The mainstays of the Ukrainian diet: beets, potatoes and carrots are high in sugar and starch. The gardening program educates families in the planting of low glycemic (low sugar equivalent) vegetable alternatives and additions, such as greens, cauliflower and eggplant.
Diabetic children and their families participate in planting and maintaining these gardens, along with a concurrent program of diabetes education. The program is positive and proactive. Our first demonstration gardens are planned for the next growing season. There is also a Diabetes Day Fair planned in Simferopol as part of a community education and awareness program.
Michael Haas our board member has developed new program of diabetes gardens to be used as an educational and practical tool for children with diabetes and their families. The garden is designed with vegetables which complement a diabetic diet, and replaces the traditional Ukrainian garden contents of potatoes, beets and carrots.
Rotaries in the US and Ukraine have voted to support the program and a day long educational festival for children in Crimea this fall. The Rotary Club of Tallahassee Northside [Florida], Rotary Club of Bourne Sandwich [Mass], and District 6940 Florida have contributed financially to the success of the program.
Funds are still needed for One Touch glucometers and related supplies. Please help.
