Many, many aboriginal people have type 2 diabestes or are at risk for developing the disease. Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease and cause many health problems or complications! 
Once you have diabetes, you have the disease for life!

CDEPP Goals

• To promote healthy lifestyles.
• To provide culturally appropriate material.
• To help people take responsibility for their own health.
• To help Youth focus on ways to prevent diabetes.
• To provide program activities to the New Brunswick off reserve community.

Diabetes Facts

• Today in Canada, type 2 diabetes is a very serious illness for far too many Aboriginal people .
• Today, Type 2 diabetes is an epidemic!

Many complications like amputations, blindness, heart disese and kidney disease occur as a result of having type 2 diabetes and having uncontrolled blood sugars.

• Aboriginal People develop type 2 diabetes at a rate 3-5 times higher than non-Aboriginal people.
• Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and is a leading cause of death in Canada.
• More Aboriginal women develop type 2 diabetes than Aboriginal men.
• # Aboriginal children are now developing type 2 diabetes, some as young as 7 years of age.

Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented! Take the steps towards a healthy lifestyle. Each step taken can make a difference.

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Be active each day. Walk , swim, run! Any physcial activity for 15- 30 minutes a day can help . Aim for 60 minutes each day.
• Learn to manage the stress. Get enough rest. Enjoy life!
• Don't smoke!
• Aim for a healthy weight. If you are overweight, losing 5- 7% of the weight can make a difference.

Many people already have type 2 diabetes. These steps help to control blood glucose levels. Controlling these sugars is important in preventing complications!

Living in balance is important. Balance is being healthy in mind, body and spirit.

Are you at Risk?

• Are you over Aboriginal?
• Are you 40 years or older?
• Do you have a close relative(mother, father, sibling) with diabetes?
• Have you had a baby over 9 lbs?
• Are you overweight?
• Do you carry extra weight in the abdominal area?
• Did you have gestational diabetes?
• Do you high cholesterol?
• Do you have high Blood pressure?

Do you have any of these risks? You need to find out if you have Diabetes. Ask your health care provider to test you for Diabetes.

Contact CDEPP

Vicki Thomas, RN BN- Coordinator diabetes@nbacp.org