Diabetes Awareness Month highlights need for action

The Canadian Diabetes Association shines spotlight on disease

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - November is Diabetes Awareness Month and November 14 is World Diabetes Day. The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) is taking this opportunity to drive diabetes awareness, as the disease has reached epidemic proportions in Canada.

"With a staggering one in three Canadians already living with diabetes or prediabetes, including an estimated 1.5 million with undiagnosed diabetes, we must take action now to stop the growth and impact of this disease," says Rick Blickstead, President and CEO of the CDA. "Diabetes Awareness Month and World Diabetes Day are times to shine a spotlight on diabetes, educate Canadians about the disease, and help all of us find out our level of risk for type 2 diabetes so we can take action."

As part of this effort, the CDA's current awareness campaign (in partnership with Sun Life Financial and supported by Novo Nordisk) encourages everyone to visit DiabetesTest.ca to take the online CANRISK test and learn their risk level for developing type 2 diabetes. The awareness campaign takes a playful look at the misconceptions people often have about type 2 diabetes, and is a reminder that you may be at risk even if you don't fit the stereotypical model of someone with type 2 diabetes.

The CDA has also launched the 21 Day Challenge to End Diabetes, encouraging Canadians to form a new, healthy habit for 21 days and challenge others to do the same. By taking part in this fundraiser, Canadians will improve their health and help end diabetes by raising vital funds to support diabetes research, education and support programs.

"There are many risk factors for type 2 diabetes, some of which we can't control. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can make a difference in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes," says Dr. Jan Hux, Chief Science Officer for the CDA. "The 21 Day Challenge is designed to help people make a positive and lasting change in their life while supporting the work of the CDA."

In addition to the two main campaigns, local CDA offices across Canada will be holding events throughout Diabetes Awareness Month.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) is the registered national charity that helps the 11 million Canadians with diabetes or prediabetes live healthy lives, and educates those at risk. In communities across Canada, the CDA:

• offers educational programs and support services;
• develops resources to health-care professionals on best practices to care for people with diabetes;
• advocates with those affected by diabetes to governments, schools and workplaces; and,
• funds research to improve treatments and find a cure.

For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

SOURCE Canadian Diabetes Association

Image with caption: "Canadian Diabetes Association (CNW Group/Canadian Diabetes Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161101_C3132_PHOTO_EN_808870.jpg

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact: Krista Lamb, Communications Manager, Canadian Diabetes Association, Phone: [phone], [email protected]