(OTTAWA) – The Harper Government today announced support for Canadians with diabetes. The new funding, announced by the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, will address screening, early detection and management of diabetes, as well as the prevention of secondary complications from the disease, including hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

“Our Government is committed to protecting Canadian families,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “We all know someone who has diabetes in our family and this support will help those we hold dear. That is why we are working with key organizations to help prevent diabetes, and to improve the lives of those who have or who may develop diabetes.”

“Northern Albertans can count on our Conservative Government to fund programs that will promote Canadians’ health,” said Brian Jean, MP for Fort McMurray – Athabasca. “The projects announced today are more proof of our commitment to Canadians’ health programs.”

As part of the Canadian Diabetes Strategy, the federal Government is supporting 37 new community-based projects. Today’s announcement includes funding for a project called Transforming materials for people with diabetes for the Canadian Diabetes Association. The goal of this project is to develop resources for health care providers and people at high-risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

“We are very pleased to receive the support of the Public Health Agency of Canada to continue to serve the needs of the millions of Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes,” said Michael Cloutier, President and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association. “By assisting high-risk populations in gaining better access to practical and current information, we can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Canada and affects approximately two million Canadians. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 per cent of diabetes cases in Canada. It can often be prevented or delayed with regular physical activity, healthy eating and by maintaining a healthy weight. If not managed properly, diabetes can lead to serious complications like heart disease and stroke, blindness, chronic kidney disease, nervous system damage, and amputation.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is committed to promoting and protecting the health of Canadians.  For more information on diabetes or healthy living, please visit www.publichealth.gc.ca. A backgrounder with more information on the funded projects is attached.