The Huron-Perth Diabetes Education Program hosted its 25th annual Diabetes Day Tuesday in Mitchell.
About 100 people attended the event to learn more about managing diabetes.
Certified Diabetes Educator Aileen Knip said Type 2 diabetes is more common than it was a few years ago, and she attributed that to a combination of diet and lifestyle.
"More and more people are sitting at their office desk, sitting at a computer. Our eating habits have changed, we have a lot more processed foods, higher salt, higher fat, and people are eating out in restaurants more frequently," she said.
Aileen Knip - Certified Diabetes Educator, Huron-Perth Diabetes Education Program (photo by Bob Montgomery)
Diabetes Canada recommends 30 minutes of exercise a day or 150 minutes a week.
She suggested that someone who has a stationary job could leave the desk or counter every hour and just walk around.
Knip also said that diabetes runs in some families, so some people are genetically pre-disposed to having diabetes.
She suggested that anyone who starts gaining weight, particularly as they get older, should ask their doctor to check their blood-sugar levels.