November is...

November is Diabetes awareness month.  Everyone has heard of the term ‘Diabetes’. It is not just about having high blood sugar. Adults with diabetes are 3 times more likely to be hospitalized with cardiovascular disease, 12 times more likely to be hospitalized with end stage kidney disease, and 20 times more likely to need a non-traumatic limb amputation.

In 2016, 11 million (29% of the population) people in Canada had this disease and it is estimated that in 2016, 13.9 million (33%) will have it. This increase in percentage of the population is thought due to a number of factors. As an adult you are at increased risk of developing diabetes of you are Aboriginal, Asian, African or Hispanic or if you are overweight, older, and of low income.

There is a very easy blood test for diabetes – have you had your test recently? If not, come and see your family physician at Care in the Creek Medical Centre in Bragg Creek. If you do not have a family physician give us a call today.