IN 2003, diabetes was ranked as the 5th leading cause of death in Guyana with an average of 8,000 new cases reported each year and is considered to be a major cause of not only mortality but morbidity as well.

In response, a Diabetes Training Programme was developed by the Canadian Diabetes Association and was adapted for use by countries in the Caribbean and Guyana to help reduce the mortality and morbidity rates among diabetics.
Training of voluntary community members is done is two phases. Residents of East Bank of Demerara communities successfully underwent phase one in November, 2011.
Phase two training commenced yesterday in the form of a four-day workshop at the Herstelling Assemblies of God Church in Herstelling, East Bank Demerara and will conclude on  October 5, 2012.
The general objectives of the Signature Programme are to provide consistent, up to date, referenced and approved basic information about Type 2 Diabetes to every community and to equip community members with basic communication and counseling skills to carry out Peer Education, in diabetes, in their communities.
In Guyana, the Food Policy Division of the Ministry of Health is responsible for training volunteers from various communities throughout Guyana to be Diabetes Peer Educators. Community members who receive training are expected to teach and counsel individuals with diabetes, conduct ‘kitchen table’ education sessions with their neighbours and provide ongoing education as well as support for self management skills, and promote and form local associations in their communities.
Diabetes is a serious disease but many things can be done to stay well such as eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity and learning as much as possible about diabetes are important first steps.  Regular medical checks are recommended as well.