Many Guatemalans suffer from diabetes. This is an unfortunate outcome of poor diets and malnourishment, which is very common among impoverished families. And if the family is poor, then treatment for diabetes is rarely even an option. There is no cure for diabetes, only strategies on how to live with it. So when a person becomes diabetic their life is forever changed and they always have an imminent medical need. Many lose their eyesight and have trouble walking, which makes it very difficult for them to find jobs and provide for themselves.
We have had several families come to us with diabetes and medical costs related to diabetes. Often, the family is plunged into debt because of the medical emergencies which often result from diabetes. For those who know that they have diabetes, very rarely can they afford the much needed medicines, nor can they afford to change their diet. Most people are just happy to have 2 or 3 meals a day, they find it very difficult to have the money to eat the right kinds of foods if they have diabetes. 
Because of this, we at Mayan Families have begun a Diabetes Club that meets monthly. From the members of our club, we have been realizing more and more how much of a problem diabetes is here and how many families need medical assistance because of it. At our Club, we give general physical exams and test blood levels. We also teach people about diabetes and hand out information on what they should or shouldn't eat. Thanks to our volunteer medical staff, we are able to give one-on-one consultation regarding living a healthy life with diabetes.Because so many poor people are affected by diabetes, our Diabetes Club is a much needed resource for families. However, we need financial assistance to keep it up and running. If you would like to donate to our Diabetes Club, please go to Donate Now and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "Diabetes Club". Thank you!
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