Today is World Diabetes Day and I find myself thinking of all the people who are living with diabetes, their loved ones, and those working hard to reduce the prevalence of this disease.
Diabetes is a complex condition that has a huge impact on the lives of those it touches. It's not always easy figuring out why your blood sugar is misbehaving, or making the food choices you know your body needs. With the cold weather on our doorstep, getting out of the house to exercise can be a dreaded task. Coming face to face with the complications of diabetes can be heart wrenching and scary.
But guess what? There are people all over this beautiful province (and country) who are here to support you. People who are proud of you each time you give your body what it needs. People sending you hugs and words of encouragement when you throw your arms up in frustration.
And remember, you are not alone. Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Canada. This statistic is frustrating because we know diabetes is not only impacted by genetics and behaviour, but also by our environment. We know the walkability of neighbourhoods and accessibility to nutritious foods and health services impact the prevalence of diabetes and other chronic diseases. These are very real struggles for many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Personally, I've sighed a breath of both relief and frustration when buying the last green pepper in the grocery store. I've struggled trying to find a family doctor and dentist. I have clients and family members who have not been given the support they need to prevent the onset and/or progression of chronic disease. But I also know countless hours of hard work are taking place each day to help relieve these frustrations. People are working hard to advance medical science and provide both direct and indirect support for those living with diabetes. On World Diabetes Day, I want to acknowledge and thank these people for their incredible work.
If you are living with diabetes, please know there is support available. The Canadian Diabetes Association is a great place to start. If you need some more guidance, have a chat with your doctor about managing your diabetes. And of course, if you'd like some one-on-one nutrition support, feel free to contact me or ask your doctor to refer you to a Registered Dietitian.
Rebecca
Diabetes is a complex condition that has a huge impact on the lives of those it touches. It's not always easy figuring out why your blood sugar is misbehaving, or making the food choices you know your body needs. With the cold weather on our doorstep, getting out of the house to exercise can be a dreaded task. Coming face to face with the complications of diabetes can be heart wrenching and scary.
But guess what? There are people all over this beautiful province (and country) who are here to support you. People who are proud of you each time you give your body what it needs. People sending you hugs and words of encouragement when you throw your arms up in frustration.
And remember, you are not alone. Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Canada. This statistic is frustrating because we know diabetes is not only impacted by genetics and behaviour, but also by our environment. We know the walkability of neighbourhoods and accessibility to nutritious foods and health services impact the prevalence of diabetes and other chronic diseases. These are very real struggles for many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Personally, I've sighed a breath of both relief and frustration when buying the last green pepper in the grocery store. I've struggled trying to find a family doctor and dentist. I have clients and family members who have not been given the support they need to prevent the onset and/or progression of chronic disease. But I also know countless hours of hard work are taking place each day to help relieve these frustrations. People are working hard to advance medical science and provide both direct and indirect support for those living with diabetes. On World Diabetes Day, I want to acknowledge and thank these people for their incredible work.
If you are living with diabetes, please know there is support available. The Canadian Diabetes Association is a great place to start. If you need some more guidance, have a chat with your doctor about managing your diabetes. And of course, if you'd like some one-on-one nutrition support, feel free to contact me or ask your doctor to refer you to a Registered Dietitian.
Rebecca
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