News Release

FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES AT HIGH RISK OF DEVELOPING DIABETES

Winnipeg, June 1, 1999 - The global epidemic of Type 2 diabetes has had a particularly devastating impact on Canada's aboriginal community. The International Conference on Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease will explore this issue and share results of a research study conducted by Dr. Bernard Zinman, of Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital.

Dr. Zinman led a research project in the First Nation community of Sandy Lake, Ontario that produced some startling information about Diabetes and First Nations people. The prevalence of diabetes in Sandy Lake is five times the national average and affects children, adolescents, and young adults of both genders. A change from traditional lifestyle to a sedentary reservation existence with the consumption of a high fat diet are the major contributors to this metabolic epidemic.

The community formed a collaboration with a multidisciplinary health care team to both better define the extent of this problem and ultimately to establish effective community based and culturally appropriate intervention strategies.

Dr. Zinman will be presenting his research findings at the ICDCD on Friday, June 4, 1999 from 1:30 to 3:20 p.m. at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

The International Conference on Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease has attracted approximately 300 delegates from around the world to Winnipeg to share information and research study results.

The International Conference on Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease is being chaired by Dr. Aubie Angel, President of the Diabetes Research and Treatment Centre in Winnipeg, and Dr. Narjanan S. Dhalla, Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences.

For more information and to book interviews, please contact:

Barbara Steele, Heart and Stroke Foundation, (613) 569-4361 Ext. 318   cell (613) 859-6903
Sandi Krawchenko (204) 255-6700   cell (204) 291-4422

See also: Related Abstracts