Canadians living with diabetes celebrate everyday #SmallVictories

OneTouch^® brand campaign to raise money for Diabetes Canada

BURNABY, BC, Feb. 8, 2018 /CNW/ - When it comes to managing diabetes, daily choices count – and could have a big impact. To celebrate those small victories, LifeScan, manufacturer of OneTouch^® blood glucose monitoring products and Diabetes Canada are urging Canadians living with diabetes to share their everyday lifestyle changes that have helped them move forward with managing their blood glucose. For every share and use of the #SmallVictories hashtag, the OneTouch® brand will donate $1 to Diabetes Canada.

Small Victories are a way of celebrating the everyday choices people with diabetes make to live a healthy lifestyle. In a recent survey, 80 per cent of Canadians living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes watch what they eat daily, 79 per cent avoid sugar-sweetened beverages, and 86 per cent seek out nutrition advice, including tips for staying healthy.¹

But sometimes it can be a struggle. While two-thirds of respondents say they feel supported by their family and friends, a third say they feel alone in the face of the daily challenges needed to manage their diabetes.¹

"The decisions I make every day have an impact on my diabetes. It's up to me to plan out each of my meals to ensure my blood sugar levels are stable, maintain an active lifestyle and actively listen to what my body needs, says Andrea Pellizzer, founder of the diabetes Type One Chick blog. "Accomplishing these daily challenges allows me to feel happier and healthy, and makes it easier for me to manage my diabetes day in and day out."

In addition to asking Canadians with diabetes to share their #SmallVictories, the campaign includes a video from Andrea who shares how she manages her health every day, as well as the cooking and fitness challenges that she overcomes to achieve small victories.

"Canadians pride themselves on being empathetic, community-driven individuals, so it's time that we come together to tell each other 'good job' and 'keep going,'" says Dr. Jan Hux, President and Chief Science Officer, Diabetes Canada. "When you manage a chronic condition like diabetes, choosing healthier options such as water, being active or checking blood glucose first thing in the morning are the small wins that can have a big impact."

To share your #SmallVictories and to learn more, visit Facebook.com/OneTouchCanada.

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^1	Survey of 1,113 Canadian diabetes patients who self-test their blood glucose, Angus Reid Forum panel (facilitated by MARU/Matchbox). Study conducted between Dec 5, 2017 to Jan 3, 2018.

About LifeScan Canada Ltd.

LifeScan Canada, a Johnson & Johnson company and the manufacturer of OneTouch^® blood glucose monitoring products, is dedicated to creating a world without limits for people with diabetes. Through our industry-leading OneTouch^® products and award winning customer support, we are able to provide comprehensive blood glucose monitoring systems tailored to meet the needs of patients and healthcare professionals.

SOURCE LifeScan Canada Ltd.

Elena Kouretsos, 416-849-8911, [email protected]