DATA ON THE INCIDENCE OF DIABETES

In British Columbia there are 248,000 people reported to have been diagnosed with diabetes in 2005.  This number is expected to increase to 305,000 in 2010.  This figure does not include at least 30% of  people who have diabetes and not know about it.

Despite a tendency to develop this disease, Type 2 Diabetes can be considered a preventable disease.  Many of these cases could be prevented with lifestyle modifications and by early detection.

HIGH RISKS GROUPS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES

·     Overweight or obese
·     Inactive lifestyle
·     Related to a person with Diabetes
·     Aboriginals
·     Of African, Asian, South Asian, Hispanic descent

COMPLICATIONS AS A RESULT OF DIABETES

·     Blindness
·     Liver failure
·     Kidney failure
·     Heart Diseases
·     Strokes
·      Amputation of Extremeties
·     Impotence in males