Manitoba's Health Department released a plan on Tuesday aimed at combating high rates of diabetes among Natives in the province.

Health Minister Tim Sale says diabetes was unheard of a generation ago. Now he says it has reached epidemic levels among First Nations. More than 20 percent of Natives have the disease and, in some communities, as many as 50 percent suffer from diabetes.

The Chronic Disease Prevention Initiative emphasizes lifestyle changes and early detection.

Get the Story:
New diabetes prevention plan announced (CBC 12/7)
DIABETES AND CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED (Manitoba Health 12/7)

Relevant Links:
Manitoba Healthy Living - http://www.gov.mb.ca/healthyliving

Related Stories:
20 percent of Oklahoma Indians have diabetes (11/15)
Indian center in Salt Lake City fight youth obesity (11/09)
Gila River Indian Community struggles with diabetes (11/09)
Obesity blamed for rising health care costs (10/20)
Report urges fight against childhood obesity (10/01)
Kerry campaign promises Indian health care boost (09/29)
Report calls on U.S. to honor health care commitment (08/30)
'Just Move It' campaign targets diabetes among Natives (08/27)
Navajo racer promotes diabetes prevention (08/26)
IHS officials say Indians shortchanged billions (08/25)
National Indian Health Board holds conference (08/11)
Pember: Obesity threatening Indian Country (08/02)
Indian doctor dedicates life to combating diabetes (07/30)
Tribal centers participate in youth diabetes study (07/28)
Bush official pledges support for health care bill (07/22)
Medicare to allow some treatments for obesity (07/16)
Diabetes program reaches out to rural, elderly Navajos (06/07)
HHS says 41 million Americans at risk for diabetes (04/29)
Study documents urban Indian health disparities (04/21)
Diabetes and obesity ravage Native population (04/19)
Tribal colleges form network to combat diabetes (04/14)
Proposed boost in IHS budget rejected by Senate (03/12)