Diabetes
It’s important to understand diabetes and work with your health care professionals to prevent or manage the disease. If left untreated or treated improperly, this chronic disease can lead to serious complications and premature death.
- What is diabetes?
- How serious is diabetes?
- What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?
- What are the risk factors for developing diabetes?
- What can I do to help prevent developing diabetes or to manage it well?
What is diabetes?
Diabetes relates to blood levels of sugar (glucose) and of insulin, which helps the body use glucose as an energy source.
Diabetes occurs when the body either can’t produce insulin or can’t properly use the insulin it produces. This results in high blood glucose levels, which can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs and lead to debilitating conditions and premature death.
More than 20 people are diagnosed with the disease every hour and nine million Canadians are living with either diabetes or prediabetes.
Diabetes is categorized into three main types:
- Type 1: The body can’t produce insulin. Usually diagnosed in children and teens but can occur in some adults with immune system issues. About 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1.
- Type 2: The body can’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t effectively use the insulin it produces. Usually develops in adulthood. About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2.
- Gestational diabetes: Occurs during approximately 2-20% of pregnancies in Canada and disappears within six weeks of delivery.
How serious is diabetes?
If diabetes is left untreated or not managed properly, it can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, lower limb amputation, and premature death.
What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?
Signs and symptoms include:
- Unusually high level of thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight change (loss or gain)
- Blurred vision
- Extreme lack of energy or tiredness
- Frequent and/or recurring infections
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- Impotence (erection difficulties)
It’s important to report any symptoms to your medical professional immediately. Many people with Type 2 diabetes may not notice signs or symptoms, so regular check-ups are crucial.
What are the risk factors for developing diabetes?
Type 1: Diabetes can affect children of all ages and adults with immune system issues.
Type 2: Risk factors include excess weight or obesity, age (40 or older), high blood glucose, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physically inactive lifestyle, family history, and ethnic background. Regular check-ups help detect and manage Type 2 diabetes.
Gestational: Up to 30% of women with gestational diabetes may develop Type 2 diabetes within 15 years. Regular screenings are important for good health and future pregnancies.
Prediabetes: This condition precedes Type 2 diabetes and requires monitoring to prevent its progression.
What can I do to help prevent developing diabetes or to manage it well?
Ways to reduce risks or manage diabetes include:
- Managing weight through healthy food choices and regular exercise
- Monitoring and managing blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol levels
- Having regular check-ups and working with your health care team
- Learning about diabetes
For more information, consult with a pharmacist or medical professional.
This health information was sourced from the Canadian Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.ca) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (www.phac-aspc.gc.ca). It is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. This material and affiliated entities are not liable for errors, omissions, or inconsistencies, nor do they accept liability for reliance on the contained information.