Diabetes Canada and the Kelowna Falcons have joined forces this month to help strike out the stigma attached to diabetes.
The second of two West Coast League games between the Falcons and Victoria Harbourcats on Tuesday night in Victoria is designed to raise funds and awareness for the cause.
The first game between the teams was played July 6 at Elks Stadium and featured baseball, games, prize and advocacy for Diabtes Canada.
“People living with diabetes often face stigma and discrimination as a result of misinformation or misunderstanding about the disease—a troubling reality made harsher by the fact that diabetes is now an epidemic in Canada,” says Glenna Armstrong, Branch Coordinator (Interior B.C.) with Diabetes Canada.
“This life-threatening disease affects one in three Canadians, meaning each one of us likely knows someone who has diabetes or prediabetes. Families are invited to cheer on the Kelowna Falcons as they play to strike out diabetes stigma, and as many Victoria HarbourCats as possible.”
People with diabetes have a higher rate of depression and many feel overwhelmed or anxious. Almost 30 per cent of those Diabetes Canada surveyed said they experienced diabetes distress. There are also many misconceptions around diabetes management. These misconceptions can be as simple as a child with type 1 diabetes being told they cannot have a slice of birthday cake, to a person with type 2 diabetes feeling shame from the loss of a limb after years of healthy diabetes management.
For more information, contact Glenna Armstrong at 250-762-9447 or glenna.armstrong@diabetes.ca.