Medical research student aims to inspire his peers

Diabetes is a disease many Aboriginal families battle.

Diabetes was rare among the Aboriginal population prior to 1940, according to Statistics Canada. Today, though, the situation has reached epidemic levels. Close to nine per cent of Aboriginal individuals living in urban centres have diabetes, compared to six per cent of non-Aboriginal people.

Within the next 20 years, it is estimated that almost 30 per cent of First Nations people will have Type 2 diabetes.

If that stat holds true, the Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre could be dealing with about 900 diabetes patients.

Dr. Tim Zmijowskyj, a family physician at the centre, said diabetes was virtually unknown within the aboriginal community as little as 65 years ago.

Now, it is a huge health concern.