Association applauds government’s commitment to support Yukon in the fight against diabetes

New community-based project funded to assist people living with diabetes

Whitehorse, Yukon (Nov. 2, 2012) – Today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced that through the Canadian Diabetes Strategy, the federal government will fund a chronic disease prevention and management strategy for Yukon working with the Yukon Department of Health and Social Services.

“The Canadian Diabetes Association commends the Government of Canada on its decision to provide funding for a community-based diabetes project in Yukon, which will play a pivotal role in addressing diabetes in the territory,” said Michael Cloutier, President and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association.  “Projects funded through the Canadian Diabetes Strategy recognize the diversity of Canadians living with the disease and reflect the Association’s shared commitment to placing their needs at the forefront of diabetes prevention and management initiatives within the country.”

The Yukon Department of Health and Social Services will receive $130,000 for the project.  The aim is to identify chronic disease services and healthcare providers, review strategic approaches to chronic disease prevention and management, and establish a chronic disease strategy working group with participation from people with diabetes and partners such as the Council of Yukon First Nations.  Other partners include the Yukon Hospital Corporation and the Diabetes Education Centre.

Diabetes prevalence among Aboriginal populations including in the northern communities are estimated to be at least three to five times higher than in the general population.  In fact, compared to the general population: Aboriginal peoples are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a much younger age; prediabetes is more common among Aboriginal communities; obesity rates are higher in Aboriginal communities; and Aboriginal women are particularly vulnerable to diabetes and also face more than double the risk for gestational diabetes.

“We look forward to our continued collaboration with the Government of Canada, as we strive to support people living with diabetes across the nation, while we work to find a cure,” added Cloutier.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Randi Gill
Communications Manager, Western Canada
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel: 204-925-3800, 234
Cell: 204-588-7724
randi.gill@diabetes.ca

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