In Canada, diabetes is reaching near epidemic proportions. In 2015, an estimated 3.4 million Canadians were diagnosed with diabetes and another 5.7 million, or 22.1 per cent of Canadians, were diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
By 2025, these numbers are expected to double.
The bad news is that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are significant health conditions that can lead to serious complications.
The good news is that there are actions that can be taken by people living with diabetes to stay healthy and limit their complications later in life.
These include incorporating healthy meal plans and regular physical exercise (both aerobic and resistance training) into their daily routines.
Better still, we know that for those who have pre-diabetes conditions, regular exercise can help you prevent you condition from worsening.
In the Okanagan, we are fortunate that we have an abundance of indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities that can help us limit sedentary behaviour and help keep us healthy.
The impacts of diabetes can be managed.
Through exercise, a healthy diet, taking medications as directed, and keeping a close eye on blood sugar and blood pressure, the risk of eye, kidney and heart disease can be managed.
To help people living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, UBC Okanagan has teamed up with the Canadian Diabetes Association to offer free programs in Vernon.
The Walk ‘n’ Talk Diabetes program is open to all levels and runs from April 7 to 25.
If you feel like you need help and support managing you condition, there is help.
To learn more, I encourage you to contact 1-888-628-9494 or Glenna.armstrong@diabetes.ca
Dr. Charlotte Jones,
Associate Professor Medicine,
UBCO Faculty of Medicine