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West Shore hosts diabetes info event

ov. 27 - West Shore Parks and Recreation - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Diabetes may be one of the most common diseases to develop but luckily it is among the most manageable.

“Unfortunately diabetes is very common,” said Dr. Lukasz Materek, a diabetes specialist in Victoria. “You’d be really hard pressed to find anyone in Victoria … that doesn’t know or have in their family someone with diabetes.”

The Canadian Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Care From Head to Toe event hits four recreation centres in Greater Victoria, to bring essential information to those with diabetes and those at risk of developing it. The event coincides with Diabetes Awareness Month. The first was Nov. 1 in Saanich.

“The goal really at this point is just to bring awareness and provide people and clients and possible patients with resources,” Materek said.

On hand will be pharmacists, diabetic nurse educators, foot exam nurses, exercise specialist and other professionals, a mix aimed at addressing factors that play into the disease.

For those with diabetes, Materek said it’s important to know all the different routes to make life easier. Family members of people with diabetes can get information on how to support loved ones and reduce risk of developing the disease.

“If you have a specific question or concern, you can just come and talk to us,” Materek said.

A proper diet, losing weight and sufficient exercise are all key to reducing risk. Medications are also available for those at a high-risk of developing diabetes.

While there is no cure, management is far simpler and more effective now than it has ever been.

“We have made great technological advances,” Materek said.

Rob Wilson, fitness and wellness co-ordinator for West Shore Parks and Recreation, said the event is a natural fit for recreation centres.

“It’s recreation teaming up with public health to make things more accessible for people in the community,” Wilson said. “Just overall wellness, we’re about that.”

The session is Nov. 27 - West Shore Parks and Recreation - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.