Saturday, November 14th is World Diabetes Day, an official United Nations World Health Day.

Did you know that…

• Over 3 million Canadians are affected by diabetes… that is one in ten Canadians!
• Type 2 diabetes can be managed through diet, regular exercise and insulin injections
• By 2020, it is estimated that diabetes will cost the health care system in Canada over 19 billion dollars. Diabetes currently accounts for 12% of BC’s health care expenditures.

The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) helps current diabetes sufferers live healthy lives and is also working to find a cure for the prevalent disease. Click here  for more information on the CDA’s efforts.

The CDA is marking Diabetes Day with a special education session at the Vancouver Public Library where Sunrise CEO Peter Joe will be recognized for the support that he has offered to the CDA over the years.

Peter was also recently interviewed for the CDA’s newsletter. See the article below.
Source:  http://dev.diabetes.ca/current/story/2662/

Peter Joe: Food manufacturers play an important role in preventing and managing diabetes

“Goodness first” has been the guiding philosophy of Sunrise Soya for more than half a century. Since its beginnings in 1956, Canada’s leading manufacturer of tofu has applied this principle to all aspects of its business—from its products’ health benefits, quality and taste, food safety and environmental sensitivity, right through to the company’s sense of community. Over the years, Sunrise Soya has generously supported many organizations, such as S.U.C.C.E.S.S and Project CHEF.

In 2005, Sunrise Soya embarked on a rewarding partnership with the Canadian Diabetes Association. The company is a sponsor of the Food Skills for Families and Cooking for Your Life programs and also helped develop the Vancouver Chefs Take on Tofu cookbook, from which 50% of sales are donated to the Association. Thanks to more than $90,000 in donations, Sunrise Soya has made a difference in the lives of people living with or at risk of diabetes.

“When we first started to sponsor the Cooking for Your Life program, I was impressed by how well the events were attended,” says Peter Joe, Sunrise Soya president and CEO.  “People attending the events were genuinely interested in the importance of food and diet in maintaining a healthy body and effectively managing or preventing diabetes. There was a perfect match with our company’s soy products and the diabetes prevention cause.”

Soy or foods derived from soybeans (a type of legume) offer a unique balance of nutrients, including high quality protein, fibre and essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6. Recognized as one of the best protein sources originating from the soil, soy is the only plant-based food that contains a protein almost equivalent to meat or dairy products. Studies on soy show positive effects on an individual’s health when combined with regular physical activity. Soy can benefit the heart, bones, weight, blood pressure and blood glucose, and help in the prevention of diabetes. Increasing fibre intake (from a colourful array of fruits, vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals, as well as legumes – including soybeans – and a small handful of nuts) helps regulate blood glucose levels and reduces cholesterol. In addition, as indicated in the “The Glucose Revolution: GI Plus, Hodder, Sydney 2000,” eating more of these plant foods in their unrefined or wholegrain form can assist with weight control and insulin resistance as they are more filling and generally cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels.

Disease prevention is an important aspect of Sunrise Soya products and is a personal goal for Peter, who has witnessed close friends dealing with the challenges of diabetes. As a member of a high-risk group for diabetes himself, Peter is a staunch believer in the importance of a healthy lifestyle. He follows a balanced meal plan, jogs three times a week and plays golf as often as possible.

“Diabetes is rising, and food manufacturers must play an important role in helping to prevent and manage diabetes. The Canadian Diabetes Association offers many ways for a food company to support their cause and to highlight the importance of healthier eating,” he adds.