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22 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday November 7, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Most people can reduce their risk of diabetes M ore than two million Canadians have diabetes -- between three and four per cent of Halton residents aged 12 and older report being diagnosed with diabetes. According to Karin Swift of the Canadian Diabetes Association, there are two main types of diabetes -- type 1 and type 2. "Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin," she explains. "Approximately 10 per cent of people with diabetes have type 1. This type of diabetes is not preventable. Having a close relative ­ a parent or sibling with diabetes ­ raises the likelihood for developing the disease. Certain racial groups are more at risk. People of Aboriginal, Hispanic, South Asian, Asian or African descent may have an increased risk of becoming diabetic." The remaining 90 per cent have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin that is produced. "There are a number of risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes," said Swift. Being overweight, having high cholesterol or high blood pressure are risk factors. These are factors we can influence." Swift is also a member of the Choices for Health Coordinating Committee. At the local level, Choices 4 Health and its community partner networks are active in promoting change to reduce the risks of chronic disease. Many of these initiatives are aimed at children and adolescents. Through the Halton Fresh Food Box, Active and Safe Routes to School, Farm to School and the Halton Tobacco-Free Sports and Recreation programs, Choices 4 Health is helping people increase their awareness of diseases such as diabetes and learn how to lead healthy, active lives. "Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and healthy eating is important for reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes," says Dr. Bob Nosal, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region. "Smoking also increases risk," he said. "The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 90 per cent of diabetes cases could be prevented through a healthy diet, regular physical activity and not smoking." November is Diabetes Month. If you would like to learn more about diabetes and how to reduce your risk, visit the Canadian Diabetes Association website at www.diabetes.ca. Choices 4 Health is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion, community partners and the Halton Region Health Department. The Choices 4 Health Network is a community coalition of over 250 individuals and organizations working together to create a Halton in which people achieve optimum health by choosing opportunities for healthy eating, physical activity, good mental health and smoke-free living. -- Submitted by Choices 4 Health