BACKGROUNDER
2006TSA0051-001315 Nov. 1, 2006	Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts
DIABETES AND HEART DISEASE: THE DEADLY CONNECTION

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and, this year, the Canadian Diabetes Association is urging all Canadians to take diabetes seriously to reduce their risk of heart disease. Diabetes is a cardiovascular disease that kills. To find out how early diagnosis and good diabetes management can help reduce your risk of dying from heart disease, visit www.getserious.ca. Early diagnosis and good diabetes management can significantly cut the risk of heart disease.

 

The Canadian Diabetes Association 2003 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada recommends the following:

• A routine screening every three years for everyone age 40 and over, and every year for those with additional risk factors;
• Early diagnosis and aggressive management of diabetes, which is key to delaying or preventing serious complications;
• A healthy diet, high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in fat; and
• Regular physical activity.

 

The Canadian Diabetes Association is also hosting a number of educational events during November to help British Columbians manage their diabetes and prevent serious health complications, such as heart disease.

 

In Victoria: Making the Link: Educational symposium, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In Nanaimo: Making the Link: Diabetes Symposium, Nov. 25, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In Vernon: Diabetes Day at the Vernon Multiplex, Nov. 1.

In Prince George: Diabetes & The Heart What's the Connection? Nov. 23, 7 to 9 p.m.

In Fort St. John: Know Your Numbers & Know Your Foods, Nov. 25. Call the Diabetes Education Centre at 250 262 5219 to register.

In Dawson Creek: Diabetes Medications & Over the Counter Drugs. Nov. 16, 7 p.m.

In Vancouver: Live Well With Diabetes public health forum, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2 to 6 p.m. at UBC Robson Square. Chinese Information Sessions on Diabetes and Heart Disease: Nov. 2 and Nov. 25

In Abbotsford: Know Your Nutrition & Know Your Medications, Nov. 6, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

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Media contact:	Don McDonald Communications Director Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts 250 356-9869	Melissa McConchie Marketing & Communications Canadian Diabetes Association – Pacific Area 604 732-1331 ext. 224
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.