With increasing rates of obesity and a population decreasing its level of exercise, diabetes is a leading health concern.

During World Diabetes Day Nov. 14, the Canadian Diabetes Association is inviting people to learn about the disease.

The association is hosting Living Well With Diabetes at the Coast Bastion Inn to discuss diabetes, talk about struggles and how to plan for success as well as health issues brought on by the disease.

“This is a global issue and a societal issue. There is blame attached to diabetes and it goes to the person who gets it and we need to stop that,” said Sue Schaefer, a certified diabetes nurse educator who will speak at the event. “We live in a world that promotes obesity.”

Schaefer said the conveniences of remote controls, cellphones and microwaves have created a society that rushes to try and get things done but with little physical movement.

Schaefer, who works with the Coast Salish First Nation of Southern Vancouver Island, will hold a presentation, called Sweet Success with Diabetes, as her alter ego Mrs. Pudding. She describes Mrs. Pudding as a feisty grandmother who speaks her mind about diabetes. The presentation will cover her struggle with diabetes, the challenges she’s faced and her successes in coping with the disease.

“It will be a zany romp about living with diabetes and passing on words of wisdom,” said Schaefer.

The other speakers during the event are Dr. Davidicus Wong, head of the family practice department at Burnaby Hospital and Dr. Shaun Golemba, an optometrist in Port Alberni.

A member of the Ministry of Health Diabetes Collaborative, Wong has helped diabetes patients manage their health and create health goals. Golemba will discuss the effects diabetes has on eye health and how diabetes is one of Canada’s leading causes of blindness.

The presentation runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. People must pre-register by Nov. 13. The cost to attend is $10, but the fee may be waived if it is a financial barrier for people. To register, please call 250-729-3824 or for more information about diabetes please go to www.diabetes.ca.

reporter3@nanaimobulletin.com