Lions Raise Awareness of Diabetes

From the left, Lions Bob Reddick, Jim McGlade, Dorothy Maynard, Rick Warriner and Marty Hawkins participated in Lions Diabetes Tag Day. Missing from the photo are Lion David Lowery and volunteer Johnny Norwood.

Westport Lions Roar

By Lion Bob Reddick

The first step in combating diabetes is raising awareness and providing education. To support this goal, a team of Westport Lions participated in Diabetes Awareness Month on Saturday, November 16, offering resources and information to help combat this disease.

The purpose of the Lions Diabetes Tag Day was to educate the community about diabetes and to show support for individuals living with the condition. In addition to distributing educational materials, the club collected $400.75 to help fund education, support services, advocacy, and diabetes research.

Research has shown that individuals who take steps to manage their blood sugar levels when diagnosed with prediabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. By increasing physical activity and adopting a healthy, low-fat diet, it is possible to lower blood sugar levels. Now is the time to make small lifestyle changes to ensure a diabetes-free future.

Currently, 11.7 million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes, which is one in three of us. Over 50% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented through diet and exercise.The World Health Organization estimates that 463 million people in the world have diabetes and by 2045, that number is expected to rise to 700 million. Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the world.

The signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

Unusual thirst
Frequent urination
Weight change (gain or loss)
Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
Blurred vision
Frequent or recurring infections
Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection

It is important to note that many individuals with type 2 diabetes may not exhibit any symptoms. Over one million people in Canada are unaware that they have diabetes making it crucial to be aware of your risks and to get tested.

Diabetes is a global epidemic and one of five pillars of service for Lions Clubs International. The Westport Lions thank everyone who supported the Lions’ Diabetes Tag Day, and urge people to make lifestyle changes to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve their quality of life. (diabetes.ca)