Diabetes from a Canadian Perspective
By: April Chan, Project Coordinator, IPSF Healthy Living and Diabetes Campaign
By 2010, it is predicted that 3 million Canadians will be affected by diabetes. Most disturbingly, more and more children and youth are now being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This, in part, stems largely from an increasingly sedentary Canadian lifestyle, leading to a rise in obesity rates. In addition, the growing numbers of new Canadians are from high-risk ethnic groups such as Hispanics, Asians, South Asians and Africans.
In line with this year’s international theme for World Diabetes Day on November 14, “Diabetes in Children and Adolescents”, the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) has launched a new initiative targeting young Canadians ages 18-29. With the help of an interactive online “Serious Speed Dating” experience (www.getserious.ca), CDA hopes to bring its message across, that diabetes is a serious disease that can befall even the young. Through the speed dating experience, one will learn about the common symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes, which the various “dates” will comment on. These symptoms include increased thirst, frequency in urination, blurry vision and fatigue. In addition, CDA is hosting various activities with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation across the country, for instance, holding a presentation at
Aside from these, the Canadian Diabetes Association holds summer camps for children with type I diabetes. These serve as opportunities for children to talk to fellow peers with the diabetes. During the camp, children learn about diabetes management, including blood glucose testing, insulin injections and diet and exercise programs in a fun, outdoor setting. Many of these children go on to become camp counselors themselves. In addition, there are educational programs targeting kids in different age groups, 5-9 years, 9-13 years and 14-18 years, which are facilitated by the regional office staff and volunteers. This is where pharmacy students in