November - A Look at Diabetes

November is Diabetes Awareness Month.  And November 14 is World Diabetes Day.

Did you know that our province of Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest rate of diabetes in Canada? 

According to the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey, 8.1% of the population over the age of 12 reported being diagnosed by a health professional as having diabetes.  Within our province, that figure is 8.8% while nationally, 5.9% of respondents reported receiving that diagnosis.

During the needs assessment process, many people expressed concern about chronic diseases, particularly diabetes.  They worry about the high rates and indicated a desire to ensure education sessions are available to people in their communities around topics like healthy eating.