About
The Asociación Panamaña de Diabeticos (“APADI”) is a non-profit, non- governmental institution founded on May 29, 1975. APADI was established by medical professionals of the Santo Tomas hospital, diabetic patients and their families in order to provide information, knowledge and help with the treatment of this chronic disease. Special mention is due to the late Dr. Monica Brown, an endocrinologist who played an instrumental role in the founding and operation of this institution. Thanks to her efforts, in 1977, a program for diabetes at the level of the Panamanian Ministry of Health was established and the diabetic clinic was founded. This clinic was, and continues to be used, as a model for the establishment of other clinics in the Republic of Panama.
As a result of the extraordinary work and services performed by APADI, the executive branch of the Panamanian government granted it legal status as a not-for-profit, non- governmental institution by resolution number fifteen (15) dated June 7, 1978. Subsequently, in 1984, the Panamanian government designated the third week of May as the national diabetic week by decree number 223 dated May 29, 1988. This was done as recognition of the accomplishments of APADI. Currently APADI has a presence in the entire Republic of Panama through chapters located in various medical centers where guidance is provided.
Main Focus
- Promote and develop actions to improve the information and the quality of assistance provided to diabetic patients or persons with diabetic risk factors.
- Drive and develop actions that improve the situation and the social and family environment of diabetic patients or persons with diabetic risk factors.
- Increase the awareness and education of diabetes in the general population through the School for Diabetics.
- Develop specific actions destined to foment the autonomy and well- being of young people with diabetes.
- Perform actions that will sensitize people about diabetes and reduce the incidence of this disease.
Activities
APADI´s administration works in conjunction with the medical professionals (doctors, psychologists, nurses and nutritionist) so patients and potential patients receive proper diagnosis and opportune treatment.
Family members receive orientation in order to provide support to the patients.
Conferences and seminars to increase the knowledge of diabetes, its risk factors and treatment methodologies among diabetic patients, their families and the general public, through the School for Diabetics.
Support the operation of a government-run diabetic clinic in the Santo Tomas hospital which provides complete care for diabetic related illnesses and monthly control visits for blood glucose levels, free of charge.
Operate a cafeteria in the Santo Tomas hospital that provides low income patients with a free breakfast on days when they have attend medical appointments or have tests performed that require fasting.
Legal assistance in cases where patients are being denied any rights due to their illness.
Message from the President
Mr Luis Orozco – “APADI´s decision to become a member of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) was due to its desire to contribute to the worldwide effort to increase knowledge of this disease and the reduction in its incidence. In addition, we expect that our membership in IDF will provide us with information regarding the latest medical advances in the treatment and management of this disease through personal contact, publications, meetings and seminars that may be available.
In addition, direct contact through visits of IDF professionals and specialists to Panama could provide our medical staff with the latest treatment methodologies and best practices so they can be adopted locally.
By emphasizing our goal of providing the latest information on the treatment and management of diabetes to our members we will allow us to help our members to better manage their illness. We believe that the person with diabetes that knows the most about their condition is the one that lives the longest.”