The 16th annual International Diabetes Conference will he held from March 25-28 at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, Ocho Rios. The conference is hosted by The University Diabetes Outreach Programme (UDOP), comprising the University of the West Indies, University of Technology, and Northern Caribbean University. This year UDOP will collaborate with the Heart Foundation of Jamaica to explore the theme: Diabetes and Tobacco: the Deadly Duo.

Conference attendees will be updated on the latest research on the smoking of tobacco by persons with diabetes. They will also be able to interact with the experts and learn more about diabetes, which is a common chronic disease worldwide. Diabetes affects an estimated 18 per cent of the Jamaican population according to an islandwide survey done by UDOP in 1995. Some Caribbean territories are believed to be similarly affected.

Meanwhile, in the Caribbean it is estimated that tobacco is used by about 15 per cent of the region's youths, and approximately 10 to 25 per cent of the population over age 15. Tobacco deaths range from 30 per cent in males to 14 per cent in females. It is believed that these deaths can be prevented. Persons (medical and non-medical) wanting to learn more about the deadly combination of diabetes and tobacco may attend the conference. For registration costs and other details, contact the Conference Secretariat at: (876) 977- 1749, (876) 927-2290; fax: (876) 977-5233; email:
udop@uwimona.edu.jm [1]
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