News Release                           For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                  November 5, 2008

Diabetes Awareness Month “1 in 5 Survives. We Can All Do Better”

 “1 in 5 Survives. We can all do better.” is the key message in the Canadian Diabetes Awareness Month November campaign. Today, one in five people with diabetes survives heart disease. This year’s public awareness message targets baby boomers aged 40-66. More that 60% of people with diabetes have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Both are risk factors for heart disease. One in three people with diabetes have it and don’t know it. On average, people have diabetes for seven years before diagnosis.

Early diagnosis and good diabetes management can reduce the risk. A waist circumference of more than 35 inches for a woman and more than 40 inches for a man is an indicator of health risk for type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease and hypertension. Healthy eating, choosing low fat and high fiber sources, and regular physical activity are prevention strategies that help maintain a healthy weight and decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Awareness Month is an opportunity for communities to come together to promote awareness of diabetes and help make a difference in the lives of people living with diabetes.

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For more information:

Marilyn Lemon RN (EC)

Public Health Nurse, Chronic Disease Prevention Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1436