Join Team Diabetes! Physical activity an important factor in reducing type 2 diabetes

Did you know that there are currently over 10 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes?  Did you know that regular physical activity, in conjunction with healthy eating and weight control, can reduce type 2 diabetes incidence by 60 per cent?

If you were to walk into a hospital today, among the people being treated for a stroke, 30 per cent have diabetes. Of those being treated for a heart attack, 40 per cent have diabetes. Of the people experiencing kidney failure requiring dialysis, 50 per cent have diabetes. Nearly one-third of those people will die within the following year; two-thirds within five years.

The death rate is higher than almost all types of cancer.

However, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to manage and live well with your diabetes. Regular exercise also has special advantages if you have type 2 diabetes, as it can help prevent or delay it from developing. Regular physical activity improves your body’s sensitivity to insulin and helps manage your blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Not many people realize the true impact of diabetes in our communities even though most of us know a friend or family member affected by it. That’s why Team Diabetes exists; by getting out and being active, we are passionate about making a difference in the lives of Canadians affected by diabetes. We are equally passionate about spreading awareness in hopes that Canadians will realize the full impact of diabetes in our country so that we can stand together and make strides against overcoming diabetes as a global health epidemic.

Did you know?

• Low physical fitness is as strong a risk factor for mortality as smoking
• Fitness level is one of the strongest predictors of all-cause mortality in people with diabetes.
• Physical activity can be as powerful as glucose-lowering medication as it effectively lowers your blood glucose within 1 hour… with fewer side effects.
• Regular physical activity, in conjunction with healthy eating and weight control, can reduce type 2 diabetes incidence by 60 per cent.

In 2016, Team Diabetes will be participating in over 25 events across Canada from 5k walks to marathons and Tough Mudders, including the 2016 BMO Vancouver Marathon.

By joining a local event like the 2016 BMO Vancouver Marathon, Team Diabetes Participants will receive:

•   Guaranteed race registration (we will cover your registration fees)
•   Official Team Diabetes tech shirt or jersey
•   Fundraising tools and support
•   Free electronic monthly newsletters
•   Travel fundraising tiers available to those coming from out of province

Already registered and would like to participate as part of our team? No problem! If you raise the minimum goal of $350 we will reimburse your race fees!

To learn more about how you can get involved in a Team Diabetes national or international event visit www.TeamDiabetes.ca or contact Nadine.Cornelius@diabetes.ca.