Diabetes
More than three million Canadians have
diabetes.
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type
1 diabetes, usually diagnosed in children and
adolescents, occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls the amount
of glucose in the blood. Approximately
10% of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
Type
2 diabetes 90 % have Type 2 diabetes which occurs when the pancreas does not produce
enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin that is
produced. Type 2 diabetes usually
develops in adulthood, although
increasing numbers of children in high risk populations are being diagnosed.
Gestational
diabetes, is a temporary condition that occurs
during pregnancy. It affects approximately
2-4 % of all pregnancies and involves an increased risk of developing diabetes
for both mother and child.
If left untreated or improperly managed diabetes can
result in a variety of complications including:
Heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease,
nerve damage
Symptoms include:
Unusual thirst
Frequent urination
Weight change
Extreme fatigue
Blurred vision
Frequent or recurring infections
Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet.
Many who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms.
Can you prevent diabetes?
Research shows that lifestyle changes can
help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. A healthy meal plan, weight control, and
physical activity are important prevention steps.
How is diabetes treated?
People with diabetes can expect to live
active, dependent and vital lives if the make a lifelong commitment to careful
diabetes management, which includes the following:
1.
Education
2.
Physical Activity
3.
Nutrition
4.
Weight Management
5.
Medication
6.
Lifestyle Management
7.
Blood Pressure
