Diabetes is a chronic illness that impacts millions of Canadians. Children, teens, adults, and seniors are all affected by diabetes.
What happens when you have diabetes?
Sugar (also known as glucose) is a carbohydrate that provides energy to our body. To be converted into energy, sugar must first enter the cell. Insulin helps this sugar enter the cell so it can be converted to energy. In other words, insulin is the key that opens the door into the cell for sugar to enter. When you don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin isn’t used properly, as in diabetes, the sugar you are consuming is not entering the cells. Excess sugar in the bloodstream can be damaging to the body, so insulin regulation is important.
Insulin created by specialized cells (beta cells) within an organ called the pancreas. When you are diagnosed with diabetes, it either means that your beta cells are not producing enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or your body isn’t correctly using the insulin the beta cells produce (type 2 diabetes). There is resistance to insulin. Either situation leads to an imbalance in the amount of sugar in your blood.
Because of this, medication for diabetes can include insulin needles, pens, and pumps, all of which supply insulin to your body to help regulate blood sugar levels (also known as blood glucose levels).
While diabetes can be hereditary, it can also be a result of ageing, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and other factors. Diabetes is more prevalent in certain cultural groups including Indigenous, African, Middle-Eastern, Asian, Hispanic, and South Asian. This is not necessarily genetic; many of these groups face environmental barriers such as limited access to healthcare, education, and healthy food options that affect risk for type 2 diabetes.
The principal types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, and Prediabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in adults, affecting 90% of people with diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, your body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. It is usually diagnosed in adults but is increasingly being diagnosed in children. While type 2 diabetes can be managed by proper diet and exercise, it may still require medication and/or daily injections of insulin.
Click on the image to watch a video detailing Type 2 Diabetes.
Risk Factors
- Long Standing Overweight or Obesity
- History of Prediabetes
- Family History of Type 2 Diabetes
- Ageing
Symptoms
Type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms initially, however overtime symptoms can include:
- Frequent Urination
- Frequently Feeling Thirsty
- Skin Infections
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Fatigue
Complications
- Coronary Heart Disease
- Stroke
- High Blood Pressure
- Acute or Chronic Urinary Tract Infection
- Nerve Damage
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Amputations
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and teenagers, although it can be diagnosed in older adults as well. With type 1 diabetes, your beta cells cannot produce enough insulin to manage blood glucose levels, so it is always treated with insulin.
Click on the image to watch a video detailing Type 1 Diabetes.
Risk Factors
- Family History of Type 1 Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Cystic Fibrosis
Symptoms
- Unexpected Weight Loss
- Frequent Urination
- Frequently Feeling Thirsty
- Frequently Feeling Hungry
- Fatigue & Loss of Energy
- Blurred Vision
Acute Complications
- Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Chronic Complications
- Kidney Damage
- Heart Disease
- Blindness
- Frequent Infections
- High Blood Pressure
- Nerve Damage
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops in women during pregnancy who don’t already have a diagnosis of diabetes. It can create complications during your pregnancy such as premature birth. In most women, gestational diabetes goes away after giving birth as blood sugar levels return to normal. However, people who have had gestational diabetes are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes. Your physician may have you tested for gestational diabetes.
Click on the image to watch a video detailing Gestational Diabetes.
Risk Factors
- Past history of Gestational Diabetes
- Chronic Overweight or Obesity
- Family History of Diabetes (including prediabetes)
Symptoms
Gestational diabetes does not usually show any symptoms. It is frequently discovered during routine prenatal care. Some women can develop the following symptoms:
- Frequently Feeling Thirsty
- Blurred Vision
- Frequent Urination
Complications
- Preterm Birth/Early Birth/Large Babies
- High Blood Pressure
- The baby may face obesity later in life
- Birth Defect
- The baby may develop diabetes later in their life
Prediabetes
Prediabetes occurs when your blood glucose levels are slightly higher than normal values, but aren’t high enough to be officially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 50% of patients with prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes. However, by implementing lifestyle changes including healthy eating and regular physical activity, you can reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Click the image to watch a video about Prediabetes.
Risk Factors
- Family History of Type 2 Diabetes
- Chronic Overweight or Obesity
Symptoms
Prediabetes typically does not show any symptoms. If the prediabetes were to progress to type 2 diabetes, then there may be more noticeable symptoms. The symptoms would be are the same as those of Type 2 Diabetes.
Complications
The only complication associated with prediabetes is developing type 2 diabetes. It is a predictor of Type 2 Diabetes and can be addressed with proper diet management, exercise, and weight control.
Management Suggestions for Diabetes Mellitus
To manage your diabetes and lower your risk of complications, there are a few simple strategies:
A healthy diet helps to avoid over eating and ensures your body is getting the vitamins and nutrients it requires. Avoiding high-sugar foods keeps blood sugar levels stable.
Regular physical activity helps in managing weight. Excess weight plays a big role in diabetes so having a healthy weight can reduce your chances of developing complications.
Taking medications as directed by your physician helps manage your blood sugar levels and protect vital organs in the body.
Monitoring your blood glucose levels can help you manage your diet and help understand what foods are optimal for you.
To find Diabetes Services near you:
Diabetes Canada is an excellent source for information.
drtc.ca 