Presenter(s):

Karen Denton, Low Vision Centre of Learning, South Africa

Abstract

Many reasons that include modern farming practices to supply plentiful food have led to a nutritional devolution, fundamentally altering the human diet in ways that contribute to widespread health decline.
Once nutrient-dense and whole, food has been stripped of its essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. These are frequently replaced by ultra-processed alternatives. This shift has profound consequences, contributing to the rise of chronic degenerative conditions, particularly macular degeneration, dementia, as well as metabolic disorders.

Bio(s):

Always a keen student and teacher, having a toddler diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes set Karen on a pathway that shaped her life. Having completed studies in General Nursing, Midwifery, Operating Theatre, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Psychiatric Nursing, and a Degree in Psychology, Karen was uniquely poised to utilize the varied skills for a thirty plus year career in Diabetes Education. During this time, lecturing internationally, Chairing Diabetes South Africa, Pan-Africa Diabetes Educators (5 years) and The South African Diabetes Educators (8 years) proved stimulating and a valuable basis for a move to the Middle East for a further 8 years where she continued her studies. On returning to South Africa, she re-integrated into the medical field by being a founder member of the The Low Vision Centre of Learning, and with Retina SA where she functions as the Lead in Education and Advocacy.