By Jasminee Sahoye

A diabetes prevention program which started mid October and targets the Caribbean and Latin American population in Toronto is encouraging people to take advantage of a unique program being run by Diabetes Education Centre at New Heights which has been providing services to clients with diabetes since 2002.

According to the program’s community outreach worker, Michelle-Ann Hylton, the program was developed to tackle the growing number of people from the Latin America and the Caribbean who are likely to suffer from diabetes. Statistics from the ministry of Health Promotion reveal that there are a large number of people from the Caribbean and Latin America who are at risk of diabetes.

Hylton said the program, which is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, has two dietitians and is offered in two components.

“The first one is the diabetes risk screening and that involves assessing people’s risks of developing diabetes using a tool called Canrisk.” Hylton told the Camera, adding that through outreach programs at various locations, candidates are identified.

The second aspect of the program is a health lifestyle workshop.

“It’s normally done in a series of four classes, called ‘Back on Track.’ The first class is an introduction of what is diabetes…there are lots of people who have misconceptions about diabetes….if you eat too much sugar, you’ll get diabetes…which is what most people think, especially people from the Caribbean, I find…. It’s about getting people to set healthy goals,” Hylton said. “The second class is a nutrition class, we talk a bit about buying healthy on a budget…,the third class is a cooking class…we prepare meals that people actually eat…and the last class called ‘I like to move it’ and it’s exercising.”

Hylton added that what makes the program unique is the one to one consultation with the dietitian after every screening. “Normally people get to talk to the dietitian after they’re diagnosed with some metabolic issue like diabetes for instance or thyroid problem, then the doctor would say go see a dietitian.”

One of Hylton’s roles is get participants for the program and she finds them at churches, community groups, etc. “I have been looking at places where people from Latin America and the Caribbean congregate… We have also been working with other community organizations, some health centres, churches and other community organizations.”

Persons interested in the program could contact Michelle-Ann Hylton at 416-787-1661, ext. 360 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

New Heights Community Health Centres is a non-profit, community-based organization. It is governed by a Board of Directors elected every year at an Annual General Meeting.