Canada has one of the highest rates of diabetes prevalence in comparison to its peer countries. Even more concerning is that Canadas rate of diabetes-related mortality is the third-highest among its peer countries.
Experts from around the world will gather at the Vancouver Convention Centre this week for the 15th Annual Conference of the Canadian Diabetes Association/Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (Oct. 11 to 13). It will be a chance to share innovations and the latest research to help improve the lives of those living with diabetes and ultimately find a cure.
It is estimated that six million Canadians are living with prediabetes and approximately 50 per cent of those Canadians will develop type 2 diabetes. Nationwide, diabetes rates have almost doubled over the past decade.
Weve identified steps that can be taken now that could dramatically reduce the incidence and seriousness of diabetes while we continue to work towards a cure, says Michael Cloutier, President and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association.
A two per cent reduction in prevalence rates will save nine per cent in direct health care costs.Thats $1.5 billion per year by 2020. Perhaps more importantly, people who have prediabetes can delay or avoid onset by educating themselves on how to make healthier lifestyle choices.
The conference will focus on a range of diabetes-related topics including; obesity, Aboriginal populations, women and diabetes and best practices in diabetes management to novel cell-based treatments and new insights into the impact of diabetes on organ functions. Canadian country music artist George Canyon will also speak about his personal battle with diabetes.
Seminars of interest include:
October 11:
Evidence Based Me: The Importance of Being an Example, Dr. Alissa Zentner of Vancouver
Diabetes and the Aboriginal Community, Jane Harrison MSc MSW
October 12
Nutrition Hot Topics & Controversies
The Ages & Stages of Women Living with Diabetes, Was that a Hot Flash or Hypoglycemia, Maureen Clement
October 13
Isabel Lockerbie address by country singer George Canyon
Obesity: The Disease that Begins it All, Dr. Alissa Zentner
For more information go to Diabetes.ca.
