SURREY - People who speak Punjabi will have better access to information about diabetes; a disease if left undetected can lead to serious health complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, adult blindness and amputations.  A new video highlighting real life experiences of people living with diabetes along with education from professionals is available on line. This easy-to-understand and easy-to-access learning resource is entirely in Punjabi.  

“This video recognizes the higher risk of diabetes among the Asian community. Having information about chronic illnesses like diabetes helps people to take responsibility for their own well-being,” Attorney General and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism Wally Oppal said.

Diabetes is an inability of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels caused either by a lack of insulin or the inability of the body to effectively use the insulin. Even more concerning is that diabetes rates are three to five times higher in South Asian and other Asian communities.  According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 250,000 people in B.C. live with diabetes, likely to increase to 305,000 by 2010.  Routine diabetes screening is recommended every three years for those ages 40 and over, it is recommended annually for people of South Asian descent.

“I applaud Fraser Health for finding innovative ways to engage South Asians given how diabetes is an important health issue for them. This new resource will help our community learn how they can manage their health and prevent illness,” said Dave S. Hayer, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead.

This new video will teaches people how to watch for signs and symptoms of diabetes and practical ways to manage their condition. “There are risk factors that you do have control over, by understanding the risk and complications of diabetes you can learn to manage the condition through exercise, healthy weights and proper diet. Fraser Health is pleased to help the community improve their quality of life for those at risk of diabetes,” said Dr. Kemi Odegbile, Manager of Chronic Care for Fraser Health.

For those who do not have access to the internet, you can rent a copy of “Live Well With Diabetes” from the Surrey Public Library, Abbotsford Library or Ravi Video at 8334-128 Street in Surrey.

This new resource was made available through a partnership between Fraser Health and GlaxoSmithKline’s PRIISME (Programs to Integrate Information Services and Manage Education) initiative, a program that supports the South Asian population with managing diabetes. Production support was provided by the BC Endocrine Research Foundation.

Please note that this video is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor, but to give an overview of diabetes for people with the disease, or at risk for it.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Fraser Health Media Pager | 604-450-7881