Mark your calendar, because World Diabetes Day is coming up soon on November 14!
Since 1991, this special date represents a time for us all, globally, to reflect on the impact diabetes has had worldwide and the many people it affects. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 and marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.
Worldwide, about 463 million adults, or about one in 11 people, are living with diabetes, making it one of the largest and most costly chronic health conditions.
Here in Canada, an estimated 3.4 million people are living with diabetes, and a further 5.7 million Canadians are living with prediabetes. Between them both, that’s about 1 in 3 Canadians!
We should care about these numbers because people with type 2 diabetes have increased hospital stays, increased hospital length of stay, reduced life expectancies, and increase costs for the healthcare system.
There’s good news! Changing your diet and physical activity patterns are the most critical steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
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That’s why the #SmallStepsforBigChanges program is launching a month of World Diabetes Day Challenges!!
Join us this month, leading up to our World Diabetes Day walk in Kelowna on November 14, as we challenge ourselves and each other to make healthy lifestyle changes and raise awareness about diabetes and prediabetes. (There will be prizes!! And also bragging rights, of course… )
To participate, join in on the challenges posted to social media and our blog. More information to be posted soon!
Challenges will be posted right here on the Small Steps for Big Changes blog, and on our social media platforms on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
We can’t wait to join you for a month of fun-filled challenges!