Researchers hoping for data on prediabetes care in rural B.C.
By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
Researchers at UBC Okanagan are hoping Robson Valley residents will participate in a prediabetes screening survey that is available online through June.
The survey, called Next Steps, takes about 20 minutes and can give participants an idea of whether they are at risk for prediabetes – high blood sugar that is not yet severe enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes – says postdoctoral fellow Dr. Jessica Bourne. It includes questions about physical activity, nutrition, sleep and mental health, among others, she said.
Bourne is a researcher with UBC Okanagan’s Diabetes Prevention Research Group, which is dedicated to studying diabetes prevention at the local level. The group created the survey to learn more about access to prediabetes care throughout B.C. communities, Bourne said.
“Statistics Canada tracks numbers on who has type 2 diabetes and what treatment they’re receiving, but there’s no such survey for people with prediabetes,” Bourne said. “We want to get a better picture of what people currently have in regards to prediabetes care.”
The findings of the survey will be used to map which areas of the province have access to diabetes prevention care, she added. That data can then be used to encourage the provincial government to provide more funding for diabetes care at the local level.
Aside from contributing to research, the survey could help B.C. residents get on the path to diabetes prevention early, Bourne said. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of mortality globally, according to the World Health Organization.
“What’s scary is that so many people are walking around living with prediabetes, but they don’t know that they have it,” Bourne said, adding that diabetes is largely preventable. “If we can change things in our lifestyle, then there is the potential that you won’t go on to develop type 2 diabetes.”
She added that respondents are automatically entered to win a $400 cash prize draw.
Upon completing the survey, if the results indicate that the respondent may be at risk for prediabetes, they can go to a walk-in clinic, community nurse or their general practitioner and request bloodwork, Bourne said. Healthcare providers can help with early intervention to prevent the condition from growing more severe, she said.
Currently, the group knows more about prediabetes care in urban hubs than the rest of B.C., according to Bourne. She hopes residents of rural and remote communities, such as those in the Robson Valley, complete the survey. She added that the group is always looking for patient partners – people who have been diagnosed with prediabetes who can speak to researchers about their experience in accessing healthcare. Those who are interested can email [email protected].
“It’s really important for us to capture as diverse a group of individuals as we can,” Bourne said. “We really hope to contribute a better understanding of care access for people at risk of type 2 diabetes across British Columbia.”
