Spitfires Alumni faceoff former All-Stars

 

By Samantha Wigfield

He shoots, he scores!

The Windsor Spitfire Alumni faced off against former NHL All-Stars in a short, two period game in support of the Canadian Diabetes Association, and raised over $3,000 from the event.

The third annual game, held at the Adie Knox Herman Recreation Complex, is one of the many events in Windsor put on to help raise money and awareness of diabetes and those afflicted by it.

Joyce Montrose, the coordinator of Windsor Essex branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association, said the money raised stays local.

“Right here in Windsor-Essex, there’s over 49 thousand people diagnosed with diabetes and we think there’s half that number who have diabetes but don’t know it. Then there are several more thousands of people who have pre diabetes, which is a condition where your blood sugar is rising,” said Montrose. “It’s not high enough for a diagnosis, but you’re on your way. The money that’s raised at this event helps us raise awareness in the community to help people understand what they can do if they or someone else got diagnosed with diabetes and how to help prevent it.”

According to the International Diabetes Federation, over 371 million people across the world have diabetes and it is predicted to rise to over 550 million by 2030.

There are a number of factors that could be the cause of developing the disease. Being overweight or obese, unhealthy eating, physical inactivity, having an immediate relative with type two diabetes, having high blood pressure or raised cholesterol levels and smoking. Those who are South Asian or African-Caribbean descent are also more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, due to genetics.

But, that shouldn’t stop someone from wanting to play sports. Al Iafrate, ex NHL player for the Toronto Maple Leafs, said Max Domi from the Arizona Coyotes suffers from Type 2 diabetes, and it has never affected him on the ice.

“I definitely know a lot of people who have it. It affects a lot of people’s lives, no matter what age you are,” said Iafrate. “I think anytime in life you can be apart of something that is going to help someone in life, not matter what their illness is, it’s your responsibility to try and do whatever you can to help the cause and try and help make someone’s life a little bit better.”

So what is diabetes?

In Type 1, the cells in the pancreas are destroyed, which results in not producing any insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body control the level of sugars in the blood. The absence of insulin results in sugar (glucose) building in the blood instead of it converting to energy.  

Type 2 can develop in any age, but the average age is around 40. The body is not able to use insulin as fast as it should, otherwise known as an insulin resistance. As the disease worsens, the pancreas is unable to produce less and less insulin, resulting in a deficiency. Type 2 can be prevented through exercise, keeping a healthy weight and eating well.

“Being over 40 is a risk factor for type two diabetes. However, we’re seeing people being diagnosed in their twenties and thirties because of our sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits,” said Montrose. “If you have pre-diabetes, you can make some small lifestyle changes. Changing diets and making sure you get a little exercise in your day. A few small changes can make a big difference to your health.”