More than 9 million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes, and yet it continues to be one of the most misunderstood conditions
SHERWOOD PARK, AB, Nov. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - A recent survey shows that 49% of Canadians are unaware of the important role insulin plays in helping their body convert glucose (sugar) into energy. That's why the Sanofi Insulin GO7 team and Sherwood Park Primary Care Network are hosting an interactive Insulin GO7 lounge at Millennium Place (November 27, 2012, between 10 am and 1 pm, 2000 Premier Way, Sherwood Park).
The interactive lounge aims to educate Canadians about insulin and the crucial role that it plays in the way people can feel on a daily basis.
The educational lounge will feature:
- Onsite Insulin Experts — Certified Diabetes Educators available to answer questions about insulin and provide tips and advice for effectively managing blood glucose levels
- Free A1C Testing Station — have an A1C test done and find out what the number means
- iPad Learning Pods — onsite iPads featuring an interactive insulin learning session
- Insulin Myths vs. Realities — debunking the common myths and misconceptions that have made diabetes one of the most misunderstood diseases
The Sanofi Insulin GO7 team will ask Canadians if they know their blood sugar levels
The cornerstone of diabetes management is managing blood sugar levels. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, taking control of blood sugar levels through a combination of exercise, nutrition and, if required, medication may reduce the risk of long term complications of diabetes and help in living a full and healthy life.
Facts on Insulin (in the simplest possible terms…)
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that circulates through the bloodstream to facilitate the uptake of sugar (glucose) into the body's tissues — safely delivering it to areas that need to use it for energy, such as the liver and muscles. Without insulin, a person's body would starve because the glucose will stay in the bloodstream and not get to where it needs to be.
Sugar in the bloodstream
If there is not enough insulin produced by the pancreas, or if the insulin is not effective, too much sugar accumulates in the bloodstream which can be extremely harmful, potentially even deadly. Continuously high levels of sugar also make it impossible for the pancreas to secrete enough insulin for the body to keep up.
Without enough insulin to escort it into the body tissue, sugar builds up in the bloodstream and causes a number of problems in both the large and small blood vessels of the body, damaging the eyes, kidneys, nerves, feet, heart and brain.
How to tell if there is too much sugar in the bloodstream?
In addition to measuring blood sugar levels pre and post meals, an A1C test is used to measure the average blood sugar level. It provides a snapshot of how well the blood sugar control has been over the past 2-3 months. For most people living with diabetes, the recommended A1C level is 7.0 or less. Anything higher than 7.0 means that (for most people with diabetes) the blood sugar levels are too high and there is an increased risk for long term complications of diabetes.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).
Sanofi companies in Canada include Sanofi Canada (pharmaceuticals), Sanofi Pasteur (vaccines), Sanofi Consumer Health (health and beauty), Genzyme (rare diseases) and Merial (animal health). Together they employ more than 1,700 people across the country. In 2011 Sanofi companies invested $151.7 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.
About Sherwood Park Primary Care Network
Sherwood Park - Strathcona County Primary Care Network was formed in 2007 to assist family physicians in caring for their patients. The PCN has 6 programs including chronic disease management, mental health, specialist linkages, physician and clinic support, family practice nurse and pediatric programs. All PCNs are funded under Alberta's public health system. Patients wishing to access the PCN's programs are encouraged to talk to their doctor about how the programs could help them.
SOURCE: SANOFI CANADA
For more information, to schedule an interview and event details contact:
Nadine Rashad, Rebecca Crittenden or Debra Quinn at Strategic Objectives:
TEL: (416) 366-7735 TOLL-FREE: 1-866-366-7733
E: [email protected]
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