(November 30, 2019) Office of Sonia Sidhu, MP for Brampton South

Brampton residents had an opportunity to learn more about diabetes and its impact on individuals, families and the community during a well-attended event hosted by MP Sonia Sidhu, together with Diabetes Canada at the downtown Brampton YMCA on Saturday.

The event marked November as Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada, following a successful motion (M-173) put forth in Parliament earlier this year by MP Sidhu which was passed unanimously by members from all political parties. A similar proclamation was sponsored by MP Sidhu for the City of Brampton in 2017.

Participants heard about the importance of healthy eating by following Canada’s recently revised Food Guide, which is now offered in 28 languages. In addition, the importance of leading an active lifestyle which includes regular exercise was also highlighted.

Gently used clothing and household items were also donated by many in attendance to Diabetes Canada as part of their ongoing program to help support diabetes awareness and assistance to those suffering from diabetes across the country.

More than 11 million Canadians are impacted by this epidemic. Every three minutes, another Canadian is diagnosed with this terrible disease, which is a major cause of strokes, heart attacks, kidney failures and other serious complications.

“When diabetes symptoms are caught early, the risk for future damage decreases. Awareness and education can help people remain healthy, identify early signs of diabetes and prevent onset for millions of Canadians. With an entire month dedicated to public education about the effects of diabetes, Canadians have an opportunity to grow and learn” said MP Sidhu. She also added “Canada gave insulin to the world, and I am confident that by working together with all levels of government, and stakeholders like Diabetes Canada, the YMCA and many others, we will defeat diabetes”.

Quotes:

Quote from the CEO at YMCA Canada, Peter Dinsdale:

“Having an active lifestyle and making healthy food choices have proven time and time again to be the two key components to preventing and defeating diabetes. Even simple habits such as regularly going for a walk or a swim can make a difference. For those who want to get active and be part of a supportive community, fun group fitness classes like Arriba and Yoga are options to choose from as well,” said Peter Dinsdale, President & CEO at YMCA Canada. “At the YMCA, our focus is on offering evidence-based programming, which includes exercise programs and support for healthy active living. If you’re looking to take that next step, we invite you to join us at the YMCA!”

Quote from Dr. Jan Hux, President and CEO of Diabetes Canada:

“There has never been a more urgent time to create greater awareness of diabetes,” says Dr. Jan Hux, president and CEO of Diabetes Canada. “One in three Canadians have diabetes or prediabetes, and those at age 20 now face a 50 per cent chance of developing the disease. That staggering number speaks to the epidemic diabetes has become across Canada.”

“Canada can no longer ignore one of the biggest health crises of our time,” said Dr. Jan Hux, President and CEO of Diabetes Canada. “Our country continues to face a diabetes epidemic. A nation-wide diabetes strategy, Diabetes 360˚, has the potential to create an environment in which the health of Canadians can improve, including for the 11 million people with diabetes and prediabetes.”