At the second visit they will be asked to give relevant historical information which the Foundation will maintain under confidential conditions. Blood and saliva samples will also be taken to carry out the diagnostic and DNA studies.

The Diabetes Foundation’s Dr. Oscar Jordan and Dr. Carlisle Goddard, have partnered with Motif Biosciences, a biotechnology company based in New York, as principals of the study.

The Foundation is also in the planning phase of establishing a dedicated multi-purpose diabetes clinic where private family doctors and nurse practitioners will gain invaluable experience in best practice guidelines and protocols in the area of diabetes management. Persons living with diabetes are also expected to benefit significantly from this exercise.

About the Barbados Diabetes Foundation
Since the establishment of the Foundation five years ago it has been very active in promoting and bringing attention to the area of Diabetes Mellitus both locally and regionally. Some of its programmes include-the training of specialist nurses in the care of diabetes; the production of radio and television educational programmes and the organization of the Global Village for World Diabetes Day.

About Motif Biosciences
Motif Biosciences is a renowned biotechnology company with a strong interest in population genetics, seeking to identify the genetic causes of diabetes and other major diseases by studying genetic material from populations across the world. They have indicated that Barbados, as an island population, has many advantages for genetic studies, and offers a unique opportunity to discover genetic markers of benefit to the society.