Diabetes is a far more serious condition than people think with more than 5,000 people with the disease in Renfrew County. The Canadian Diabetes Association Pembroke and District Branch was driving that point home last week as it marked the second annual World Diabetes Day.

"The United Nations recognizes it as an epidemic," said branch coordinator Laura Murphy. "Nearly 40 per cent of heart attacks treated in hospital are a result of diabetes. More than 50 per cent of dialysis patients develop kidney disease as a result of diabetes."

There are even more sobering statistics.

Currently, 2.4 million Canadians are affected by diabetes with that number rising to three million by 2010. In addition, more than six million Canadians are living with prediabetes, which increases their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

During this internationally-recognized day, the branch opened its downtown office doors to the public who it hoped to better educate about diabetes and the steps taken to prevent or minimize the disease.

Many people have undiagnosed diabetes for years but don't know it. That was the case for Renfrew County Warden Janice Visneskie. Her diagnosis came 23 years ago when she was taking her children out for Halloween. Her vision suddenly became blurred and she grew thirsty. She subsequently suffered major weight loss.

"I was getting worried so I went to see the doctor and they hospitalized me immediately," Warden Visneskie said.

Each day, she takes four insulin shots. On this particular day, she joined the association to lend her voice to the awareness campaign.

"The public has to be aware of the disease and the steps they can take to lead a healthier lifestyle," she said. "Because I have the disease, over the years I've asked the association for help and they have been very helpful."

Studies have shown that, on average, people have type 2 diabetes for up to seven years before diagnosis. During that time, high blood glucose levels can cause serious complications, including heart disease.

The association stated that whether you are someone living with diabetes, or one of the millions of Canadians age 40 and over and at risk, you should consult their national website "getserious. ca" to learn how you can reverse the trend. The site includes a questionnaire that will tell you your current cardiovascular age and level of risk and offers prevention and management tips.

Ms. Murphy said Renfrew County has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the province. There are many different reasons, however, obesity is one of the biggest contributing factors.

The cost of treating diabetes and diabetes-related complications is enormous standing at $13 billion annually in health-care costs. Within two years, that number could climb to $15.6 billion.

She said there are many myths about what you can and cannot eat. People should moderate what they consume and consult the Canada Food Guide. Diet and exercise will prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, she contended.

"We can reduce our risk of developing type 2 by more than 50 per cent by getting active, losing weight and eating right," said Ms. Murphy.

However, the association is not just focused on prevention. It acts as a referral agency, especially when patients are diagnosed with diabetes.

"I can't give medical advice, but I can give information and referrals. We have all the up-to-date clinical guidelines," she said. "When they receive a diagnosis, sometimes people don't know where to go next."

The association has established support groups in Pembroke and Eganville and is working with the Pembroke Regional Hospital, which has a diabetes education centre.

For more information, contact the Canadian Diabetes Association Pembroke and District Branch at 613-735-1605 or the Pembroke Regional Hospital Diabetes Education Clinic at 613-732-2811 extension 6151.