Diabetes is a chronic condition that stems from the body’s inability to sufficiently produce/properly use insulin which the body needs to use sugar as an energy source. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death.

Complications from diabetes can include; blindness, numb and tingling feet, poor circulation, slow-healing wounds, gangrene, amputation, heart disease and death.  However, in most cases diabetes can be controlled with an active lifestyle and a healthy diet.

Risk factors for diabetes:

If you are aged 40 or older, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.  If any of the following risks factors apply to you, please talk with your health care practitioner.

• A parent, brother or sister with diabetes
• Health complications that are associated with diabetes
• Had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
• Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose
• High blood pressure/High cholesterol or other fats in the blood
• Being overweight

Symptoms for diabetes:

Signs and symptoms of diabetes can include the following:

• Unusual thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight change (gain or loss)
• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
• Blurred vision
• Frequent or recurring infections
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

It is important to recognize, however, that many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms.

How is diabetes treated?

People with diabetes need to make a lifelong commitment to their health, which includes the following:

• Education: Be informed about your condition.
• Physical Activity: Regular physical activity lowers your blood glucose levels, promotes weight loss, and enhances overall health.
• Nutrition: What, when and how much you eat play an important role in regulating blood glucose levels as well as maintaining a healthy weight.
• Medication: Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Type 2 diabetes is managed through physical activity and meal planning.
• Lifestyle: Learning to reduce your daily stress level, including maintaining a blood pressure level at or below 130/80.

If you are living with diabetes, become a fact finder! Knowing as much as possible is your best defence against diabetes. Find out how your body uses food and what role insulin plays in this process and build a team of experts with your health care practitioners to help you win the fight!