 I am Azilia Glass George, head of the Dietary Department at the Owen King EU Hospital. Today's focus is nutrition. The key for healthy living as well as the prevention and treatment of many conditions including diabetes is the ability to incorporate evidence-based advice from a variety of reputable professionals. This team of professionals who work seamlessly together include but are not limited to doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, radiographers, personal trainers and dietitian nutritionists. The role of the dietitian nutritionist especially in the care of diabetes is to ensure that persons can maintain blood sugars in an acceptable range by choosing the right types of foods and drinks in the right portions at the right times. There are some key areas that we should pay particular attention to. These include limiting foods and drinks that are high in added sugars and consuming more water daily. Selecting smaller food portions and eating healthy snacks two to three hours after a meal spread out over the day. Making your carbs count by choosing whole grains, legumes, ground provisions, fruits and vegetables in the correct portions daily which will help limit sources of refined empty calorie carbohydrates. Enjoying lean sources of protein such as steamed fish and baked chicken breast. Incorporating a meatless day or two in the week where peas and beans and mushrooms feature. Eating less saturated fat and focusing on healthy fat sauces such as avocados, roasted cashews and almonds. Limiting your consumption of alcohol if you choose to drink. Be sure to discuss with your healthcare provider. Using less salt challenge yourself to less than a teaspoon of added salt on most days. In addition because we are all created uniquely your dietitian nutritionist will work hand in hand with you and your healthcare team to formulate an individualized nutrition care plan incorporating the key areas above that is tailored to meet your needs. So how do you find us? We can be found at the hospital tending to both patients who are admitted on the wards as well as external referrals via appointment through the dietitian outpatient clinic which takes place from 8 30 a.m to 12 noon on Mondays and Fridays at the Owen King EU Hospital and from 8 a.m on Fridays at the St Jude Hospital. We offer both face-to-face and tele consultations. Contact the respective hospitals directly to book an appointment. Our nutrition team extends beyond the hospital to ensure continuity of care and better accessibility for you. Within your community health centers and polyclinics nutrition officers provide individualized counseling sessions and group activities via appointments and walk-ins. Contact your closest wellness center to book an appointment. Finally for those of you who would like to contact a dietitian nutritionist privately there are individuals who have private practices offering face-to-face sessions as well as tele consultations. Your referring doctor or any member of the hospital or community nutrition team can assist you with the contact information for such persons. Let's help prevent and treat diabetes together.