non profit Diabetes Clinic located on Isla Mujeres, Mexico addressing the public health epidemic of Diabetes through testing, education, nutritional counseling and distributing meters and strips so that Islenos can manage their illness. This is a joint project of bilingual social workers, nurses, EMT’s and nutritionists from the USA and our Isla Mujeres community partners who are doctors, nurses,
nutritionists, paramedics and EMT’s. First stop is registration where we register people and take their contact information. Next stop, they are triaged by a health care professional who takes some initial medical history. Some of the patients just want to be tested, but most already have been diagnosed with Diabetes by the public health clinic on Isla. Many are taking medications, some are on insulin, however there are always walk-ins who are undiagnosed and untreated. Very few patients have access to expensive glucometers or strips, and that is the main emphasis of the clinic. After each patient is tested we do diabetes education about nutrition and exercise and teach them how to use the meters and strips, so that they can have more control over their blood sugars and health. We then give them the equipment needed and let them know how to contact us for more strips and supplies as needed. If we test someone and the result is very high blood sugars, we have a doctor working with us and refer them directly to the doctor. At the last island wide clinic we had about 15 walk-ins who had blood sugars higher than 300. The next clinic will be held in December 2022. Due to Covid 19 we have been seeing patients by appointment at our new small office located mid island. We are in great need of donations of glucometers and strips, specifically Contour Next, brands. Many doctor’s offices, clinics and hospitals discard strips that are almost expired. If you have any connection with medical professionals or pharmaceutical reps, you can often get current or almost expired supplies. Please contact Karen Rosenberg to donate supplies or money at [email protected]. If you are on Isla, Geovanny Avalos, EMT & Psychologist, will meet you and receive your donations. For donations please use this link: PayPal.Me/isladiabetesclinic
You can also drop off donations at Don Pino's Restaurant near Chedrauia.
