Canadians to celebrate World Diabetes Day in recognition of people who live with diabetes

Canadians celebrate World Diabetes Day on November 14

In recognition of the ongoing commitment by millions of Canadians who build awareness of, and live with diabetes, World Diabetes Day will be celebrated on November 14. An official United Nation's World Health Day, World Diabetes Day marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who, along with Dr. Charles Best, co-discovered insulin in 1921. Together, the Canadian Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) kicked-off the national celebrations in Canada last week by identifying Diabetes Champions with the launch of www.worlddiabetes.ca.

"Diabetes impacts all aspects of life. For over three million Canadians affected by diabetes, it fundamentally changes lives," said Andrew McKee, President and CEO of JDRF. "It is inspiring to see such strong community engagement demonstrating Canadians' commitment to finding a cure for this devastating disease."

To celebrate World Diabetes Day, landmarks across Canada will be lit up in diabetes blue, including:

- The Observation Tower, Bathurst, NB - The CN Tower, Toronto, ON - Banting House National Historic Site of Canada, Toronto, ON - Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls, ON - Stanley Park, Lost Lagoon Fountain, Vancouver, BC - Canada Place, Vancouver, BC - Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, BC - Vancouver Olympic Centre, Vancouver, BC - Victoria Library Building, Victoria, BC

A tree lighting will take place at the Prime Minister's residence at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa from 4:30 to 6:00 pm on Saturday, November 14. Local Diabetes Champions will decorate a maple tree and flick the switch to bathe it in diabetes blue. Three hundred blue rings will be placed on the tree, each ring representing 10,000 Canadians living with diabetes.

"World Diabetes Day in Canada is about recognizing people who are living with and affected by diabetes and celebrating their tremendous accomplishments," said Ellen Malcolmson, President and CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association. "I am amazed at how hard people with diabetes work to manage their diabetes proactively and I'm proud to honor their determination to live healthy lives and be Diabetes Champions every day."

Ken Evraire, from Ottawa ON, is a Diabetes Champion because of his commitment to his mother and her battle with diabetes. "She quietly went about living with diabetes never wanting to make a big deal of the challenges she faced," said Ken. "I am a Diabetes Champion because my life is blessed with a Diabetes Champion."

Krystle McGrath, age 12 from Calgary AB, was diagnosed with type 1 when she was 3 years old. "Having type 1 diabetes means that I have to watch what I eat and when I eat, but I always try to be as normal as possible," said Krystle. "Live life to the fullest!"

"Diabetes is a complex disease that requires more than medication to manage well," said Vince Lamanna, President, Novo Nordisk Canada, a leader in diabetes care. "Diabetes Champions show us that knowledge, support from family and friends and compassion can all help people with diabetes live vibrant, healthy lives."

Source: CANADIAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION