LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - High diabetes rates in the Deh Cho inspired a fair in Fort Simpson aimed at raising awareness about the condition.

Earlier this year, Bernice Hardisty, a health promotion officer with Dehcho Health and Social Services, asked a nurse about the number of people with diabetes in the Deh Cho. The answer surprised her.

Nutritional educator Joyce Caines, left, with community health representative Merle Snider and health promotion officer Bernice Hardisty, display some of the educational tools they used at the first diabetes fair held in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo)

Fort Simpson has the largest affected population, with approximately 85 people living with diabetes. Jean Marie River comes in second, with 12 people, followed closely behind by Fort Liard and Wrigley.

"I found that shocking to know a lot of people in our region have diabetes," said Hardisty.

Incidence of the disease, she said, "is very high and slowly increasing in the Deh Cho."

Statistics in hand, Hardisty began asking around Fort Simpson to find out how much people know about diabetes. Unless someone in their family is diabetic most people only know a little, she discovered.

To raise awareness and educate people about the warning signs, Hardisty held what she believes was the first diabetes fair in the village. Held on May 12 in the Dehcho First Nation boardroom the fair included information about type 1, 2 and gestational diabetes.

"I would like people to understand how serious diabetes is," Hardisty said.

Complications from the high blood glucose related to diabetes include blindness, heart disease, kidney problems and nerve damage. Symptoms of diabetes can include thirst, fatigue, irritability, weight gain or loss and increased frequency of urination. In some cases, however, there are no symptoms at all, Hardisty said.

At the fair, Hardisty provided information on nutrition, the role of the pancreas, the importance of foot care and the effects of alcohol and tobacco on diabetes.

Joyce Caines, a nutritional educator with the Together for Healthy Learning Project, led a physical exercise circuit that involved stretching.

"Exercise is crucial to diabetes management," Caines said.

Diabetics can lower their blood glucose levels through 15 minutes of physical activity, like walking, between meals. Stretching before any type of physical activity, chopping wood, even playing with grandchildren can also reduce injuries.

Caines also advised on nutrition. Meals should be made up of half a plate of vegetables and one third of a plate of both meat and complex carbohydrates, she said.

Hardisty said she thinks the fair was successful and hopes to hold similar fairs in the near future in other Deh Cho communities.