OTTAWA, ON – Ottawa Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi says his government is making an effort to help prevent and treat diabetes in immigrant communities in the capital.

The province is investing $774,000  in funding this year for SCREEN, a program aimed at fighting the disease.

The Champlain Local Health Integration network is rolling out the program, which provides screenings for immigrant communities that have a high risk of developing diabetes.

Naqvi said there are two major concerns when it comes to diabetes in immigrant groups.

“One is language.  Your language may not be to the level where you can express some of your concerns,” said Naqvi.  “But another very important issue, which is often not spoken about, is how much knowledge you have of your own body.”

In the Champlain area, which includes Ottawa and the Valley,  around 100,000 people have diabetes.