Families of Diabetics Get Help for a Brighter Future

Families of Nova Scotians with type 2 diabetes are receiving a tool to help fight the disease. The latest initiative of the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia will provide families of diabetics with practical information to reduce their chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

"Nova Scotia has one of the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in the country," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "This program supports Nova Scotians as they work towards a healthier lifestyle -- one that will prevent not only type 2 diabetes, but a range of other chronic diseases as well."

Type 2 diabetes has been diagnosed in five per cent of Nova Scotians, and is often preventable through healthy lifestyle changes. Individuals diagnosed with the disease can often manage it with healthy eating and physical activity.

The Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia has developed a handout called "Can you catch diabetes? No, but it could catch you!" It is being distributed to those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, as well as their families, by a range of health-care providers.

"Through the handouts and in our diabetes counselling sessions, we are urging people to take better care of themselves by following nutritional guidelines and taking part in regular physical activity," said Peggy Dunbar, co- ordinator of the Diabetes Care Program. "This information isn't new, but the evidence behind it is very solid and we're suggesting that people approach it in a different way -- as a lifestyle change rather than a quick fix."

Those handing out the information sheet will also receive a second brochure, called Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in Families at Risk - A Guide for Providers of Health Information. The guide contains facts on type 2 diabetes, risk factors, and useful information on healthy eating, physical activity and weight.

The focus of the program includes families because research clearly indicates that individuals with a family member -- grandparent, parent or sibling -- who has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has increased risk of developing the disease themselves.

"We know that a large portion of type 2 diabetes, in addition to aging, is linked to excess weight and inactivity, and my fear is that we are passing these tendencies on to our children," said Donna Keyes, diabetes dietitian educator for the Dartmouth General Hospital Diabetes Centre.

Cases of type 2 diabetes in those under the age of 19 are on the rise in Nova Scotia. In the early 1990s there were almost no reported cases. Now, 15 per cent of the diagnosed cases of diabetes in those under 19 are type 2, meaning that many of the cases are preventable through better eating habits and increased physical activity.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include having a family member with diabetes, having a bit of extra weight -- especially around the waist -- having an inactive lifestyle, being of First Nations, African or Asian descent, or giving birth to a baby weighing more than four kilograms (nine pounds). While some factors may make an individual more prone to developing type 2 diabetes, research indicates that the greatest factors are those that can be controlled -- weight and activity level.

The Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia is funded by the Department of Health, and works with a network of professionals across the province to disseminate new knowledge and standards about diabetes care.