For immediate release
November 14, 2019
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is issuing this statement in recognition of World Diabetes Day. The day falls on November 14 each year. The theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day is “Family and Diabetes.”
MKO is encouraging First Nations people in Northern Manitoba to request a random blood sugar test from a health care professional on an annual basis. This is a simple test that can help people determine whether they are at risk of or already living with diabetes. It is important to know whether one has undiagnosed diabetes as people can take steps to reduce painful and sometimes life-changing complications that are associated with Type 2 diabetes.
MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee states:
“Type 2 diabetes can be prevented. I myself have Type 2 diabetes. I could have taken measures to prevent this from happening to me. Today families are suffering from the repercussions.
Indigenous peoples are more at risk of getting Type 2 diabetes than non-Indigenous people. Manitoba has the highest rates of dialysis and the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in our children across the country
Today I want to encourage everybody. Have yourself checked by a health care professional. If you do have type 2 diabetes, make sure your blood sugar is monitored regularly through ‘A1C’ testing and have your kidneys and your feet checked. Make sure you have a regiment of exercise and eating healthy food that will help to prevent Type 2 diabetes from setting in.
There is no cure for diabetes, but there is prevention and you need to do your utmost to prevent yourself from getting sick. I want to encourage everyone, live healthy. Live an active life. Make sure diabetes does not become a part of your life.”
