World Diabetes Day is being officially launched in the province today to ensure Islanders are aware of the important role they play in preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes.
This year's theme, "Diabetes and Lifestyle," stresses that personal choices like diet and exercise are important for the prevention of diabetes.
Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem advised that more than 5000 Islanders have diabetes and the number is growing. Each month, 45 Islanders are diagnosed with diabetes, and the number will rise to 65 per month by 2006.
"We are concerned about the impact of the increasing incidence of diabetes," said Minister Ballem. "We are pleased to work with the Provincial Diabetes Program and the Canadian Diabetes Association to educate Islanders about their risk for diabetes and their ability to manage it."
Diabetes is often misunderstood as simply a blood sugar imbalance that is easily corrected with insulin. The disease is actually quite serious and can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and circulatory problems that may make amputation necessary.
Although no cure exists, diabetes may be preventable in some cases.
Cathie MacFadyen-Arsenault, diabetes coordinator for Queens health region, indicated that an aging population, sedentary lifestyles and extra weight are contributing factors for the increasing number of Islanders diagnosed with diabetes.
Islanders have one of the lowest levels of physical activity in Canada and one of the highest proportions of people who are overweight.
"Through a change in lifestyle, Islanders can reduce their risk of developing diabetes," said Ms. MacFadyen-Arsenault.
"Eating healthy is important and means enjoying a variety of food including cereals, breads, other grain products, vegetables and fruits; choosing lower-fat dairy products, leaner meats and foods prepared with little or no fat; and limiting salt, alcohol and caffeine intake," said Carol Waddell, diabetes dietitian with the Provincial Diabetes Program. "The kinds of foods you choose, the amount of food you eat, and the spacing of meals and snacks is important."
Eating well is just one way to get the most out of life. It is also important to be active and feel good about yourself. Canada's Physical Activity Guide recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.
"Our bodies are designed to move, and it's surprising how little time it takes to stay healthy and reduce the risk of disease," said Ms. Waddell. "Being active helps manage your weight, strengthen your heart, lungs and muscles, and prevent many diseases."
Kelsie Buchanan of Churchill was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 6 months ago. As a farmer, Kelsie was physically active and did not have a substantial weight problem.
"While I was driving the tractor last spring helping to put in the crop, I began to feel more tired then usual. I was actually glad when it rained so we could take a break for a while," said Kelsie. "At times, it seemed a burden to get up the steps of the tractor. I used to run up the steps."
Kelsie was diagnosed with diabetes in June 2000. Since his diagnosis, he has had to change his lifestyle.
"The first thing I had to do was cut down on sweets and sugar. "I loved sweets and would rush through my lunch just to get at them," he said. "I miss the sweets but I am dedicated to my new diet. Once you have diabetes you can never get rid if it, and I am going to make sure that I keep ahead of it."
Diet alone did not work for Kelsie Buchanan, and after one month Kelsie began taking oral medication.
"When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, it was quite a shock for the whole family. I had always been concerned about my children having diabetes since my mother-in-law has the condition. My children and wife were tested regularly but I never thought I would be the one to end up with it," said Kelsie.
For Kelsie, eating healthy, taking medication and reducing stress are important. "Now I can be up at 4:30 am to spray the potatoes. Most days, I have the water truck running at 4:20 am, and I can't wait to get out and start to spray."
Kelsie credits some of his success in controlling diabetes with information he received by attending educational sessions held by the Provincial Diabetes Program. Kelsie, his wife and daughter, attended two half-day sessions, "Getting Started," and he attended a two-day course, "Living Well with Diabetes," to learn more about the disease.
"I am trying hard and am committed to beating this. I am going to stay around to see the grandchildren grow," he said.
If you have symptoms of diabetes, consider being tested. Symptoms include: frequent urination, a change in appetite, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, unusual thirst, unexplained weight loss, and tingling in the hands and feet.
For more information, contact the Provincial Diabetes Program or the diabetes coordinator in your health region.