The move forms part of the government's Ontario Diabetes Strategy, which includes the creation of 51 new diabetes education teams province-wide, comprised primarily of registered nurses and dietitians, to provide more Ontarians with access to the supports they need, said Linda Jeffrey, MPP, Brampton - Springdale.

The province will also:

- Distribute education kits to help newly-diagnosed patients manage their diabetes.

- Have community-based prevention programs for high-risk groups.

- Extend call centre hours at EatRight Ontario and add an online menu planner to provide healthy eating tips from a Registered Dietitian.

- Create a new Stand Up to Diabetes website (www.ontario.ca/dia betes) to give people with diabetes, and those at risk, information about the disease.