World Diabetes Day in Metro Vancouver

As noted last month, today is World Diabetes Day. In order to bring awareness and support of this cause to people around our very own region, events and activities will be taking place throughout the day.

Yesterday, Surrey mayor Dianne Watts unveiled a World Diabetes Day flag, that is now waving above 152nd at Flag Chev-Olds (it’s where the world’s largest freestanding flag pole ended up after Expo 86).

From the Surrey Leader: The prevalence of diabetes has reached epidemic levels in Canada, with over 2.4 million people living with the disease. That number is expected to double over the next two decades.

• One in three people with diabetes have diabetes and don’t know it.

• One-third of the children born in North America in the year 2000 will have diabetes in their lifetime.

• Diabetes and its complications cost the Canadian health care system an estimated $13.2 billion every year in physician care, medication, long-term disability and early death.

• The toll on people’s lives is devastating, with deaths of more than 40,000 Canadians each year.

• Only one in five people with diabetes survives heart disease. If you have diabetes, you have more than double the likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke.

There is hope: Early diagnosis and/or lifestyle management can considerably reduce risk.

I had the chance to speak with someone at the Canadian Diabetes Association when I attended a Vancouver Board of Trade talk and I think that it’s fantastic that they are getting a lot of support and coverage for this global event and cause (especially with Team Diabetes runs).

On November 14th communities across Canada are encouraged to host events and “join the Hoopla“. You can view a Google map of events here that include:

– In Victoria: “I am creating a World Diabetes Day display at my school, Sprott-Shaw Community College. I am encouraging my fellow students to wear blue, and those who do will be given a prize by the school.”

– In Victoria: “WDD Blue Lighting of Johnson Street Bridge (Johnson Street and Pandora Ave. at Wharf St.), and Hoopla Victoria, BC 4:30-5:30pm Friday November 14 info 250 661-6880.”

– In Vancouver: “Canada Place proudly supports World Diabetes Day on November 14. Watch the sails shine blue to raise awareness of diabetes.”

– In Vancouver: “Granville Island Hotel Blue-La Hoop challenge with the BC Pediatric Diabetes workshop.”

– In Vancouver: “Community and corporate challenge at the Vancouver Art Gallery, 11:00am-1:00pm – Show your Hoopla spirit!”