Image: UFV / UFV librarian and alumna Janelle Stzuhar (BGS ‘17), a type-1 diabetic for 20 years, will talk about her experiences living with diabetes as a woman, a student, and an employee, during Thursday's UFV’s Science Café. The event is free and open to the public and runs from noon to 1:30 p.m. Coffee and cookies will be served. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

UFV Science Cafe

UFV Science Café to host roundtable at Chilliwack campus Thursday about diabetes management

Nov 8, 2023 | 12:29 PM

CHILLIWACK — Just in time for Diabetes Awareness month in November, UFV’s Science Café will return for a discussion about living with diabetes this Thursday, Nov. 9 from noon to 1:30 pm at the UFV Chilliwack library in Building A.

Attendees can learn about how diet and exercise can positively impact diabetes management.

The third edition of the Science Café features three knowledgeable guest speakers. UFV librarian and alumna Janelle Stzuhar (BGS ‘17), a type-1 diabetic for 20 years, will talk about her experiences living with the disease as a woman, a student, and an employee.

“I was diagnosed when I was eight years old, so managing diabetes has been something I’ve done for most of my life. But that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been difficult,” Stzuhar says. “Having a good mindset can go a long way in managing your health, because diabetes burnout is definitely a thing. Having a support system is also important, and not only doctors and medical teams but your friends and family as well.”

Stzuhar will also speak about using different technologies, including an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor.

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“I think the event will be valuable to so many people including those who have diabetes, loved ones who are a part of a support system, and people who don’t know much about it and want to know more,” she says. “When I share with people that I am a diabetic many of them have a story to share about a loved one, so I think this is a topic that a lot of people connect with. I am so interested to hear what the other presenter has to say and maybe even learn something myself.”

Stzuhar will be joined by Dr. Iris Lesser, an associate professor in UFV’s School of Kinesiology whose research focuses on providing more innovative ways for diverse populations to engage in physical activity as a means of improving physical and psychosocial health outcomes.

A third speaker has been added to this event. Sherri Leon Torres is a registered nurse and an instructor in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at UFV. She’s a former certified diabetes educator who travelled around British Columbia as part of a team serving First Nations communities.

“I have always been very interested in diabetes as the condition relates to food insecurity, especially in northern BC where food availability is a challenge and food prices continue to climb the further north you live,” Torres says.

This event is free to attend and open to the public. Coffee and cookies will be served.

The Chilliwack library is in building A at the Canada Education Park (45190 Caen Avenue).

Watch UFV library social media for more information or email lisa.morry@ufv.ca.