Participants gather in Fort George Park for today’s Walk for Diabetes – photos 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – A group of Prince George residents joined the Walk for Diabetes this morning at Fort George Park.

Similar walks took place across the province in an effort to raise money for diabetes awareness and programs, services and research.

The walk had special meaning for Julia Scott, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes a decade ago after being misdiagnosed two years earlier.

From left, Diane & Paul Duperron of the Kidney Foundation, PG-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, Bill Bond & Richard Le Febvre, Regional Chair of the Canadian Diabetes Association

She says she started to feel the symptoms after giving birth when she was 30 years old.

“I had 30 pounds to lose and I went to the gym six days a week for an hour and a half a day but never lost a pound or an inch,” said Scott. “So I went to the doctor and they told me I was a Type 2 diabetic because people my age don’t pick up Type 1.”

She says four of five different medications and two years later she finally had her pancreas tested before the truth came out.

“I found out I was a full fledged Type 1. My pancreas wasn’t working at all anymore. So they called me into the diabetic clinic and had me on insulin that day,” said Scott. “I started off at 7 needles a day and since then I’ve been on a pump for 12 years.”

After her experience, she says building awareness is the key to proper diagnoses.

“I don’t have the profile of a diabetic. I don’t have any other symptoms. My blood pressure is good and I’m healthy and there’s been no diabetes in my family. I’m the first.”

Type 1 diabetic Julia Scott

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond was also present this morning, and said it’s really important for people to learn about prevention.

“We’ve seen rates of diabetes in Canada double in the past decade. And if we don’t take action now one in three people could live with diabetes by the end of this decade,” she said.

“There are some forms of diabetes that are preventable and it’s said that a significant number of people could prevent diabetes with a healthier lifestyle.”

Organizers hoped to raise $5,000 today. If you missed this morning’s walk and would like to donate to the cause, click here for more information.