Welcome to our Diabetes Action Group

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that diabetes-related deaths will increase by more than 50 percent in the next 10 years without some kind of intervention.  Rotarian Action Group for Diabetes (RAG Diabetes) charter president PDC C. Wayne Edwards is pleased to announce the formation of a Rotary organization to provide the opportunity of Service to attack the problems caused by diabetes. "Our RAG Diabetes will be a positive force in increasing the awareness of diabetes, coordinating treatment and education of diabetes patients, and providing diabetic supplies.  Thank you for your interest in the RAG Diabetes, and please join us in the Rotarian effort to manage and reduce this worldwide epidemic."

To be successful in our efforts to combat the worldwide diabetes epidemic, we must build a structure. Your membership is essential to the success of the RAGDiabetes. Joining together we can be a major force for Rotary Service in diabetes related programs.

Membership Benefits

As a member of the RAGDiabetes, the following membership benefits will be available to you:

• Awareness of the availability of funds for diabetes projects;
• Notification of worldwide diabetes projects
• Opportunities of service with diabetes projects;
• and a Periodic RAGDiabetes newsletter. 
  

HAPPENINGS AT THE 2010 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

Activity was very brisk at the Rotarian

RAGDiabetes Booth at the 2010 Rotary International Convention Click to enlarge

Among the Rotarians hosting in the Booth were Roger Champion-Florida, Ed Philman-Florida, Lori McCall-Florida, Jerry Young-Canada, Joseph Tam-Canada, Andrew Perry-UK, Paul Charter-UK, Barbara Bonar-California, Massimo & Nicolette Benedetti-Italy, Martin Silink-Australia, Jo & Larry Deeb-Florida, and Betty & Wayne Edwards-Florida.  Thanks to these caring Rotarians for their assistance, support, and interest.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ROTARIAN ACTION GROUP FOR DIABETES

Wayne Edwards, President of the Rotarian Action Group for Diabetes (RAGDiabetes), called to order the initial Annual Meeting of the RAGDiabetes on Monday, June 21st at 1330.  The meeting was held during the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.  Minutes of the previous Board of Directors meeting and a Secretary`s report were presented by Martin Silink.  The Treasurer`s report was presented by Larry Deeb.

Updates were presented on the following major programs:

• Caribbean Foot Care – Andrew Perry, Rotary Club of Ledbury, UK\
• Cameroon Clinics – Massimo Benedetti, PDG District 2090, Italy
• Tanzania Microcredit and Clinics – Massimo Benedetti, PDG District 2090, Italy
• IDF Life for a Child – Martin Silink, Rotary Club of Lane Cove, Australia

Rotarians Larry Deeb, Past President of the ADA, and Martin Silink, Past President of the IDF, brought the membership up to date on activities surrounding the World Diabetes Day to occur on Novemer 14th.  Also, the need for support for the announced UN session on Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) to be held in September 2011 was discussed.  PDG Wayne will be involved with a Rotary International Board Committee chaired by Director John Smarge to recommend the organization and structure of all Rotary Action Groups.
 
Lively discussion followed with emphasis on increasing memberships in RAGDiabetes and increasing the visibility of the RAGDiabetes.
 
The meeting was adjourned at 1530.

Rotarian Larry Deeb, director of the Rotarians Creating Awareness of Diabetes Action Group, takes part in activities on World Diabetes Day 15 November.  Photo courtesy of Deeb.

New action group tackles growing diabetes problem

By Ryan Hyland
Rotary International News -- 30 December 2008

The RI Board of Directors has approved a new Rotarian Action Group to help fight the growing epidemic of diabetes.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), there are currently 246 million cases of the disease worldwide, with a projected 380 million cases by 2025. The greatest increases will likely occur in the developing world.

"It's clear there is an opportunity for Rotarians to help," says Larry Deeb, a physician and director of the Rotarian Action Group for Diabetes. "Rotary has a unique way of engineering awareness, funds, and ground support to growing problems in the world. Our action group will bring visibility to the fight against diabetes." Read More.

The Rotary Club of Ledbury Caribbean Diabetic Footcare Project

www.ledbury.rotaryweb.org
By Karen Jones -- PR Officer, RIBI

The Rotary Club of Ledbury, D1100, working with the International Diabetes Federation, Rotary Clubs throughout the world and with the support of Caribbean Rotary Clubs are tackling and reducing the very high incidence of lower limb amputations caused through diabetic foot ulcers.

With the aim of the programme, based on the IDF “Step by Step model” to improve diabetic foot care, health care professionals are trained in the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot problems encouraging them to disseminate the knowledge and skills acquired to their local clinics.
Click here to view the Article.

Dr. Karel Bakker, Chair of International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot presented a paper at the World Diabetes Congress in Montreal in September of 2009.

Click here to view his paper.