Today is World Diabetes Day and two clinical pharmacists with MUN are drawing attention to a significant number of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians living with the disease.

According to Dr. Cathy Balsam, about 35 percent of people in the province are living with some form of diabetes.

She says that includes people who are diagnosed, undiagnosed, and pre-diabetic.

Balsam says yearly follow-ups and diabetes screenings are important, especially considering many people living with diabetes are undiagnosed.

As well, she says it is important for people to watch their physical activity levels, diet, and smoking status.

If someone doesn’t adjust their lifestyle, Dr. Jeremy MacDonald says the effects can be serious.

Heart disease, kidney damage, and eye damage are all potential risks, he explains.