PRESS RELEASE

Vivian Corporation organizes seminar for World Diabetes Day

The marketer and distributor of healthcare products, Vivian Corporation recently organized a
seminar titled ‘Structured Testing for People with Diabetes’ for the occasion of World Diabetes
Day celebrated worldwide on 14th November. The seminar was addressed by various
professionals in the field as well as a mother of a child with Type 1 Diabetes.

Owing to Vivian Corporation's commitment and social responsibility to celebrate life, diabetes is
close to the company’s heart and that is why the event was organized. Principally it was to bring
all stakeholders together; consultants, nurses, pharmacists, dieticians, parents, carers, the
persons with diabetes, the Malta Diabetes Association and the Vice President of the European
Association, Mr Chris Delicata who also introduced the seminar. The seminar was a study in
enabling stakeholders to look at diabetes from a holistic point of view and address nutrition, the
need to exercise, tackling obesity and monitoring.

However the primary aim of the seminar was to educate people on the concept of structured
testing which has still not caught on in Malta and also around the world. In fact it is well known
that many people do not even test regularly for diabetes but structured testing is an important
method which enables one to live a healthy lifestyle although afflicted by this condition.

Dr John Torpiano, a Consultant Paediatrician in endocrinology explained that the concept of

structured testing is used fairly frequently and across the board with children but for some reason
or other, the adult persons with diabetes are reluctant to take control of their diabetes.

Gordon Zammit, a pharmacist but also a specialist in the concept of blood glucose testing spoke
about the importance of a strict daily routine. With structured testing, the patient becomes the
‘owner’ of the condition and understands the principles of treatment to be able to make informed
choices. Mr Zammit also explained that structured testing enables the patient to cope with
relevant simple to use technology, knows signs/symptoms of complications, knows who to call
for support and will be active in preparing for the next consultation.

“Many people with diabetes are testing their own blood glucose yet not using the results to make
changes to their lifestyle or treatment. Structured self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is
central to achieving and maintaining good glycaemic control for many people with diabetes”, Mr
Zammit added.

Ms. Claudette Buttigieg, the well known broadcaster and media personality spoke emotionally
about her experience of bringing up a child with diabetes. She revealed the painstaking regimen
adopted by parents with regard to testing at regular and daily intervals but also expressed
positivity in the face of adversity – something which should be taken up by those living with
diabetes.
The role of the community pharmacist in diabetes management was also discussed during a
presentation by Sharon Sihto. She said that community pharmacists, like herself, are the most
accessible healthcare professionals but often the least utilised by people with diabetes. She
stressed the fact that pharmacists are well trained to handle most queries about diabetes
management and education.

Ms. Moira Grixti, a diabetes nurse, spoke about complications related to diabetes and how these
can be managed effectively. Some of the complications include hypoglycaemia (low blood
glucose levels) and hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose levels).

ENDS…….