News Release                                         For Immediate Release

                                                                                               November 8, 2007

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. The first United Nation recognized World Diabetes Day will be celebrated November 14, 2007, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who, along with Dr. Charles Best, is credited with the discovery of insulin.

The Canadian Diabetes Association estimates there are 2.25 million people with diabetes in Canada, one third live in Ontario. Grey Bruce has significantly higher percentage (8%) of residents who self reported a diagnosis of diabetes (Canadian Community Health Survey, 2005). Ontario has recorded a 69% increase in rates of diabetes and has already surpassed the World Health Organization’s prediction of a 39% increase in diabetes rates by 2030. Even more alarming is that one third of Canadians with diabetes are unaware that they have the condition.

This year the Canadian Diabetes Association is urging young adults to take diabetes seriously. The disease is having a serious impact on people who have it, people close to them and on our healthcare system. The Association recognizes the need to get Canada’s younger generations involved. Innovative, on-line communication using a special interactive website has been developed at www.getserious.ca to reach a younger demographic with the message: diabetes is a serious disease with serious impacts.

The increase is predominantly type 2 diabetes. Once considered a disease of the middle aged, diabetes is now affecting all age groups. Childhood obesity and physical inactivity are risk factors for diabetes. Daily physical activity and healthy eating are essential prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise and a lower fat, higher fibre diet will help maintain a healthy weight and decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Throughout Grey Bruce newly launched Community Action Networks use a system of volunteers to plan and create opportunities for play and physical activity with the goal of a more active and healthy community.

For more information about Diabetes Awareness Month and the Community Action Networks contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Marilyn Lemon

Public Health Nurse, Chronic Disease Prevention Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 436