I refer to your article and editorial of the 21 June 2011 regarding life with Diabetes. Living with Diabetes is no easy matter and takes a lot of will power and commitment by the patient. However, as you so rightly pointed out, it is not the end of the world.

The level of care in Malta is very high although the service given to patients in Gozo could be improved as these have to cross over to Malta to visit their consultants. The Maltese Diabetes Association had to put a lot of pressure on the Department of Health so that children and teens do not have to come to Malta for their regular visits. The Association has to continue working to ensure that this facility covers persons over the age of 18 years.

The Maltese Diabetes Association organises a lot of activities in order to empower children, teenagers and adults to live a full and meaningful life in spite of Diabetes, namely the annual summer camp for Children with Diabetes, a support group for parents and children with diabetes, monthly talks for the general public on topics associates with Diabetes and complications arising out of uncontrolled diabetes - just to mention some of our activities. At this point in time it is important to address the cost and level of care for people with Diabetes. It is not acceptable that after a lot of pressure made on the Department of Health over a number of years, that only 10 syringes are given per month to patients with Diabetes – resulting in the insulin syringe having to be used a number of times, that only 50 blood glucose strips are given to patients with Diabetes under the age of 36 years, that oral medication for patients with Type 2 Diabetes has not been revised for years, that no insulin pumps are available locally, that life saving interventions for patients with complications like the kidney and pancreas transplant have so far not been available to our patients.

Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide and the rate of increase in Malta and Gozo is following the pattern worldwide. Action has to be taken by the competent authorities in order to deal with the growing number of persons who will be affected by Diabetes such that persons with diabetes are provided with the appropriate tools and medication to ensure strict control of the patient’s condition.

Anna Zammit McKeon

President

Maltese Diabetes Association