More than 10% of the population in Nova Scotia is living with some form of diabetes.
That’s according to the latest statistics from the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Spokesperson, Lisa Matte says while the province’s aging population is a factor, preventing Type 2 diabetes means changes need to made.
“In many cases it’s preventable. And it’s preventable through lifestyle. That tends to have more of an impact on the increase of diabetes than the population risk,” said Matte.
The Canadian Diabetes Association statistics shows approximately 107,000 Nova Scotians live with the disease, costing the health care system about $439 million dollars per year.
The prevalence of the disease in rural Nova Scotia is particularly evident due to the aging population.
Matte says that’s why there is a dire need to educate everybody on the diabetes and help those most at risk understand how to prevent onset.
“The biggest factor for us, frankly, is related to lifestyle. As we’re getting older, that’s not healthy. But we’re certainly more sedentary than we used to be and we’re not really eating the healthiest of diets anymore.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement encouraging all Canadians to learn more about the disease and take steps to halt its rise and lead a healthier lives.
