Nurses from the Diabetes Teaching Centres will be in Kimberley and Cranbrook on Nov.14, World Diabetes Day, offering diabetes screening and blood sugar testing, and providing information about risk factors and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle with diabetes.

One in two adults with diabetes is undiagnosed. Screening for type 2 diabetes is important to modify its course and reduce the risk of complications.

In Cranbrook, screening will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at: Real Canadian Superstore; Safeway; and Save on Foods.

In Kimberley screening will occur at Overwaitea from 9 a.m. until noon.

To further awareness efforts, on Nov. 1 the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) and Health Centre maintenance staff placed a large blue circle on the roof above the Cranbrook Health Centre to kick off Diabetes Month. The blue circle is the global symbol for diabetes awareness.

There are six Diabetes Teaching Centres throughout the East Kootenay to provide support for all individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes.

The Cranbrook Wellness Centre and the Kimberley Health Centre are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both sites offer pre-diabetes, diabetes, and gestational diabetes education. Insulin pump education is also available. Pediatric Clinics occur monthly in Cranbrook. Both locations provide individual sessions as well as group education. The focus is on healthy living, and self-management.

For more information about Diabetes Awareness Month visit the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Above photo: A large blue circle – the symbol for diabetes awareness – has been installed on the roof of the Cranbrook Health Centre to kick off Diabetes Awareness Month.

Interior Health

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