The Lions Clubs in the Corporate Area, in collaboration with the Diabetes Association of Jamaica, on Monday launched a walkathon and health fair for diabetes, scheduled for this Saturday.

Neville Fenton, president of the Lions Club of St. Andrew, said the walkathon and health fair was conceptualised because much more can be done to alleviate the problems of people suffering from diabetes, as well as to allow others to know their status.

Diabetes is the second leading cause of death in Jamaica, with 17.9 per cent of the population 15 years and older living with the lifestyle disease.

Dr. Alverston Bailey, president of the Medical Association of Jamaica, said diabetes and its complications are posing serious problems in the health care system.

He was speaking Monday during the launch of the walkathon and health fair, held at the Ministry of Health's head office, downtown Kingston.

Thousands of deaths

He noted that, without urgent action, diabetes would result in thousands of deaths in the next 10 years.

In her remarks, Dr. Elizabeth Ward, director of disease prevention and control in the Ministry of Health, urged Jamaicans to come out and know their status. She noted that a study has shown that 19 per cent of adolescents between the age of 15 and 19 are overweight.

"If we can prevent obesity, over 30 per cent of diabetes cases can be prevented," she said.

The walkathon will commence at 9:00 a.m at Mall Plaza, Constant Spring Road, into Half-Way Tree, along Half-Way Tree Road, then on to Oxford Road, culminating at Emancipation Park.

The health fair begins at 11:00 a.m. and members of the public are encouraged to visit the park and receive free blood sugar screening, blood pressure screening, visual acuity, consultations and health discussions.