Healthy Choices for Healthy Living - 33 Years - 1991 to 2024

Belize Diabetes Association

Healthy Choices for Healthy Living

Our Plan of Action

It is envisioned that the projects listed below will significantly enhance the impact of the Belize Diabetes Association by addressing various aspects of diabetes awareness, prevention, management, and support across different segments of the population.

Establish or reestablish BDA municipal & Diaspora branches

The Belize Diabetes Association (BDA) will establish or reestablish branches in all the major municipalities across the country as well as communities with a significant Belizean population in the diaspora to extend its reach and provide localized support for individuals living with diabetes. These branches will play a crucial role in promoting diabetes awareness, prevention, and management at the community level, ensuring that resources and support are accessible to all Belizeans.

Youth Diabetes Education Program

The Belize Diabetes Association’s Youth Diabetes Education Program is an initiative designed to educate young people about diabetes, its prevention, and management. This program aims to instill healthy habits early on, raise awareness, and support youth affected by diabetes, creating a foundation for healthier future generations.

The Belize Diabetes Association will seek to develop a Risk Assessment App (a digital tool) to help individuals assess their risk of developing diabetes. The app will provide users with personalized insights and recommendations to promote proactive health management and diabetes prevention. The primary purpose of the app is:

  • Assist users in evaluating their risk of developing diabetes

  • Educate users on diabetes risk factors and prevention strategies

  • Encourage proactive health management through personalized recommendations

The Belizean Diabetes Kitchen

The Belizean Diabetes Kitchen is a live or recorded cooking show created by the Belize Diabetes Association. The show offers cooking classes focused on healthy, diabetes-friendly recipes, aiming to educate and inspire the Belizean community to adopt nutritious eating habits that support diabetes management and prevention. The primary purpose is to:

.Educate viewers on how to prepare healthy, diabetes-friendly meals

  • Promote nutritional awareness and healthy eating habits

  • Provide practical cooking skills and tips for managing diabetes through diet

  • Showcase delicious and culturally relevant recipes that align with diabetes dietary guidelines

Belize Diabetes Risk Assessment App
Workplace Wellness Program

The Belize Diabetes Association’s Workplace Wellness Program is designed to partner with local businesses to implement comprehensive wellness initiatives. These programs aim to foster healthier work environments by offering regular health screenings, fitness challenges, and educational workshops, ultimately improving employee health and productivity while reducing the risk of diabetes. The purpose is to:

  • Promote health and wellness in the workplace

  • Reduce the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases among employees

  • Enhance employee productivity, morale, and overall well-being

  • Provide businesses with tools and resources to support a healthy workforce

Belize Diabetes Research Fund

The Diabetes Research Fund is an initiative by the Belize Diabetes Association aimed at creating a dedicated fund to support local research on diabetes. This fund focuses on addressing the unique challenges and finding effective solutions relevant to the Belizean population. By fostering local research, the initiative seeks to enhance understanding, improve management, and ultimately reduce the prevalence of diabetes in Belize. The primary lines of effort are:

  • Promote and fund research on diabetes specific to the Belizean context

  • Identify unique challenges faced by the Belizean population regarding diabetes prevention and management

  • Develop and implement effective solutions and interventions tailored to local needs

  • Enhance the overall understanding of diabetes and its impact in Belize

Diabetes Public Awareness Campaign

The Belize Diabetes Public Awareness Campaign is an initiative by the Belize Diabetes Association to educate the public about diabetes prevention and management. Utilizing a variety of media channels, including TV, radio, and social media, this campaign aims to raise awareness, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide essential information to help reduce the incidence of diabetes in Belize. The primary lines of effort are :

  • Raise awareness about diabetes, its risk factors, and complications

  • Educate the public on prevention strategies and effective management of diabetes

  • Encourage early detection and regular health screenings

  • Foster a supportive community environment for individuals living with diabetes

Annual Diabetes Conference

The Annual Diabetes Conference organized by the Belize Diabetes Association is a premier event aimed at bringing together healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, and other stakeholders. The conference features expert speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development, and community building. The primary lines of effort are:

  • Provide a comprehensive platform for education and discussion on diabetes management and prevention

  • Facilitate the exchange of the latest research, best practices, and innovations in diabetes care

  • Strengthen the network of healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers to improve diabetes outcomes in Belize-

Fitness and Nutrition Coaching

The Fitness and Nutrition Coaching Program by the Belize Diabetes Association is a live or recorded show designed to help individuals with diabetes maintain a healthy lifestyle. This program provides expert guidance on fitness routines and nutrition plans tailored to the needs of people living with diabetes, promoting better health outcomes and improved quality of life. The primary lines of effort are:

  • Support individuals with diabetes in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle

  • Provide accessible, expert guidance on fitness and nutrition specific to diabetes management

  • Encourage regular physical activity and balanced eating habits

  • Empower individuals with practical knowledge and skills to improve their health

Diabetes Peer Support Network

The Belize Diabetes Association Peer Support Network is a community-driven initiative where individuals with diabetes can connect, share experiences, and offer mutual support. This program aims to create a supportive environment that fosters understanding, encouragement, and shared learning among those living with diabetes. The primary lines of effort are:

  • Provide a platform for individuals with diabetes to connect and share their experiences

  • Offer mutual support and encouragement to help manage the daily challenges of living with diabetes

  • Foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation among participants

  • Share practical tips, resources, and personal stories to inspire and empower members

Advocacy for Policy Changes

The Advocacy for Policy Changes Drive is an initiative by the Belize Diabetes Association aimed at improving access to diabetes care and support in Belize. This drive focuses on advocating for subsidized medication, enhanced healthcare services, and protective legislation for people with diabetes. The goal is to create a more supportive and equitable healthcare environment for individuals living with diabetes. The primary efforts are:

  • Advocate for policy changes that improve access to diabetes care and support

  • Ensure that essential medications and healthcare services are affordable and accessible to all individuals with diabetes

  • Promote protective legislation that safeguards the rights and well-being of people living with diabetes

  • Raise awareness among policymakers and the public about the challenges faced by those with diabetes

Diabetes Resource Center

The Belize Diabetes Association plans to establish a dedicated Diabetes Resource Center aimed at providing comprehensive educational materials, support services, and a library of resources on diabetes care and management. This center will serve as a central hub for individuals living with diabetes, their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, offering a wealth of information and support to improve diabetes outcomes and enhance the quality of life for all those living with diabetes in Belize. The primary lines of effort are:

  • Provide accessible and reliable information on diabetes care and management

  • Offer support services to individuals living with diabetes and their families

  • Create a centralized resource hub to enhance community education and awareness

  • Foster a supportive environment for learning and sharing experiences related to diabetes

Family Education Workshops

The Family Support Workshops organized by the Belize Diabetes Association are designed to educate families of individuals with diabetes on how to provide effective support and care. These workshops aim to equip family members with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist their loved ones in managing diabetes, thus fostering a supportive home environment that contributes to better health outcomes. The primary lines of effort are:

  • Educate families on the basics of diabetes and its management

  • Provide practical strategies for supporting a loved one with diabetes

  • Enhance communication and understanding between individuals with diabetes and their family members

  • Foster a supportive and informed home environment for better diabetes care

Emergency Supplies Program

The Belize Diabetes Association Emergency Supplies Program is designed to distribute essential diabetes supplies, such as insulin, testing strips, and glucose meters to individuals in need during crises or natural disasters. This program aims to ensure that those living with diabetes have continuous access to life-saving medications and tools, even in times of emergency, thereby preventing health complications and promoting overall well-being. The primary lines of effort are:

  • Foster a supportive environment for learning and sharing experiences related to diabetes.

  • Provide immediate access to essential diabetes supplies during emergencies and natural disasters

  • Ensure the health and safety of individuals with diabetes during crises

  • Prevent diabetes-related complications by maintaining a continuous supply of necessary medications and tools

  • Support community resilience and preparedness in the face of emergencies

Virtual Support Groups

The Belize Diabetes Association’s Virtual Support Groups and Webinars initiative is designed to reach individuals who cannot attend in-person meetings, providing them with essential education and emotional support. This program leverages technology to connect people living with diabetes, offering them a platform to share experiences, gain knowledge, and receive encouragement from the comfort of their homes. The primary lines of effort are:

  • Provide accessible educational resources and emotional support for individuals with diabetes

  • Facilitate connection and community-building among people who cannot attend in-person meetings

  • Offer a flexible and convenient way for participants to stay informed and supported

  • Enhance overall diabetes management through continuous learning and peer support

Collaborations with International Organizations

The Belize Diabetes Association’s Global Partnerships Initiative aims to collaborate with international diabetes organizations to bring global expertise and resources to local initiatives. This plan of action focuses on enhancing local diabetes care and management through access to international research, best practices, and awareness campaigns, ultimately improving health outcomes for individuals with diabetes in Belize. The primary lines of effort are:

  • Leverage global expertise to enhance local diabetes initiatives

  • Access international resources, research, and best practices in diabetes care and management

  • Participate in international awareness campaigns to raise the profile of diabetes issues in Belize

  • Strengthen the capacity of the Belize Diabetes Association to serve the diabetes community effectively

Documentary Series

The Belize Diabetes Association’s Documentary Series Program is an initiative aimed at raising awareness about diabetes through a series of documentaries. These documentaries will feature personal stories, expert insights, and educational content to inform and inspire the community about diabetes prevention, management, and the challenges faced by those living with the condition. The primary lines of effort are:

  • To increase public awareness and understanding of diabetes.

  • To highlight the personal experiences of individuals living with diabetes in Belize.

  • To provide educational content on diabetes prevention, management, and care.

  • To inspire community action and support for diabetes-related initiatives.

Diabetes Mobile Clinic

The Diabetes Mobile Clinic is an initiative by the Belize Diabetes Association aimed at providing accessible diabetes care and education to communities across Belize. This mobile clinic travels to underserved and remote areas, offering essential diabetes screening, management, and education services to those in need. The primary lines of effort are:

  • To increase access to diabetes care and education in underserved and remote communities.

  • To provide early detection and timely management of diabetes.

  • To educate communities about diabetes prevention and healthy lifestyle choices.

  • To reduce the burden of diabetes-related complications through regular monitoring and intervention.

National Primary School Quiz Competition

The National Primary School Diabetes Awareness Quiz Competition is an initiative by the Belize Diabetes Association aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge about diabetes among primary school students in Belize. The competition involves primary schools from across the country, where teams of students participate in quiz rounds focusing on different aspects of diabetes, including its symptoms, management, prevention, and complications. This competition encourages primary school students to learn about diabetes and the importance of healthy living through a fun and engaging quiz format. The primary lines of effort are:

  • To raise awareness about diabetes among primary school students.

  • To educate children on the importance of healthy lifestyle choices to prevent diabetes.

  • To foster a culture of knowledge and awareness about diabetes from a young age.

  • To engage schools and communities in the fight against diabetes.

Seniors Diabetes Care Program

The Belize Diabetes Association’s Seniors Diabetes Care Program is designed to address the unique needs of senior citizens living with diabetes. This program aims to provide specialized support, education, and resources to help seniors manage their diabetes effectively, enhance their quality of life, and reduce the risk of complications.. The primary lines of effort are:

  • To offer comprehensive care and support tailored to the needs of senior citizens with diabetes.

  • To educate seniors on effective diabetes management strategies.

  • To improve health outcomes and quality of life for senior citizens living with diabetes.

  • To reduce the incidence of diabetes-related complications among the elderly population.

National Diabetes Treatment Center

The National Diabetes Treatment Center, spearheaded by the Belize Diabetes Association, is a comprehensive facility dedicated to providing top-tier diabetes care, education, and support. This center aims to be a central hub for diabetes management, offering a range of services designed to improve the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes in Belize. The primary lines of effort are:

  • To provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art diabetes care and management services.

  • To educate patients and the community about diabetes prevention and healthy living.

  • To support individuals living with diabetes through counseling and resource provision.

  • To reduce the incidence and impact of diabetes-related complications through effective management and education.

Belize Diabetes Beach Resort and Residencies

The Belize Diabetes Beach Resort and Residences is an innovative initiative by the Belize Diabetes Association aimed at generating sustainable income to support the organization’s mission-critical work. This resort and residential community will offer a unique blend of luxury, wellness, and diabetes-friendly living, catering to both vacationers and long-term residents seeking a healthy lifestyle in a beautiful beachfront setting. The primary lines of effort are:

  • To create a sustainable income stream to support the Belize Diabetes Association’s ongoing programs and initiatives.

  • To provide a premier destination that promotes wellness, healthy living, and diabetes management.

  • To offer a unique residential community for individuals seeking a supportive, health-conscious environment.

“Nature has given us all the pieces required to achieve exceptional wellness and health, but has left it to us to put these pieces together.”

Diane McLaren