Havana, November 30 (RHC)-- Cuba is participating in the World Diabetes Congress, which began sessions on Monday in Canada.

During the event, which runs through December 4th, Cuban representatives will show the country's advances in the fight against the disease, which affects more than 4 million peoples globally.

Lleydis Iglesias Marichal, Director of the Havana-based National Endocrinology Institute said Cuba will present its experiences in dealing with the disease, particularly the results of cooperation programs implemented jointly with the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Inaugurated 40 years ago on an initiative by Cuban Revolution Leader Fidel Castro, the Cuban diabetes program includes prevention actions at the community level, as well as diagnosis and treatment of patients, many of whom have benefited from the use of Cuban pharmaceuticals like Heberport P for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, which reduces the risk of lower limb amputations.

A side event, the General Assembly of the International Diabetes Federation is also holding sessions this week in Canada.