The Canadian Diabetes Association invites you to gather your tools and Canadian spirit to participate in Igloos for Insulin on March 18th at 2 p.m. in the Parkland Mall parking lot.

Each team of up to 10 must contribute $500 to enter and any additional funds provided earns the team extra snow to construct their igloo for a chance to win some great prizes.

“This is the first time we’ve done this event,” said Shalene Hughes of the Canadian Diabetes Association. She said that proceeds raised at the event will support research and funding for education programs and sending kids with Type 1 diabetes to camp. Besides being a fun time, these camps also provide children with instruction on learning to live with diabetes.

According to the Association, diabetes is a chronic, often debilitating and sometimes fatal disease, in which the body either cannot produce insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it produces.

Insulin is a hormone that controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels, which can damage organs, blood vessels and nerves. The body needs insulin to use sugar as an energy source.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and kills the beta cells of the pancreas. No, or very little, insulin is released into the body.

About five to 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes generally develops in childhood or adolescence, but can develop in adulthood.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can’t properly use the insulin that is released (called insulin insensitivity) or does not make enough insulin.

As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used as energy. About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes more often develops in adults, but children can be affected.

Also according to the Canadian Diabetic Association, signs and symptoms can include unusual thirst, frequent urination, weight change (gain or loss), extreme fatigue or lack of energy, blurred vision, frequent or recurring infections, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.

Hughes also mentioned that the Diabetes Clothesline Truck will also be on location at Igloos for Insulin to accept clothing and small household item donations.

Other fundraising events through the year include a door to door campaign and the annual Lace Up with Team Diabetes which runs in September.

Meanwhile, to register a team for Igloos for Insulin or for more information about the event, contact Hughes at 403-638-6573 or Jackie at 403-346-4631.

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