The Diabetes Overview section provides basic information about:
- types of diabetes
- diabetes symptoms
- conditions or risk factors that may lead to diabetes
- diabetes in children
- diabetes and seniors
- diabetes and pregnancy
Maybe you have been newly diagnosed and are looking for a starting point for information. Or perhaps you are looking for resources because you are caring for someone with diabetes. We’re delighted you have started your journey of discovery with us!
There are over 3 million people in Canada living with diabetes. There is more than one type of diabetes, so it is important to know the name of the type of diabetes that you or your family member have been diagnosed with. It will usually be one of the following three types:
Maybe you, your child or another family member have some symptoms that make you believe that you might have developed diabetes. This is where you can learn more about symptoms of diabetes.
Life is a journey, and so is diabetes. You may start out wondering if you are at risk, because you are concerned that another family member has been diagnosed, or your doctor has identified some risk factors. Read more about risk of diabetes, here.
If you are diagnosed, self-management is very important in order to control blood glucose levels and reduce complications.
The type 2 diabetes treatment plan includes a combination of:
- healthy eating
- physical activity, and in most cases
- medication
Type 1 diabetes is mainly managed with insulin.
What about ‘borderline diabetes‘, also known as ‘prediabetes’? According to Diabetes Canada, more than 5.7 million people have prediabetes. To gain a better understanding of what this term means and how to prevent this from progressing to diabetes, read the section about prediabetes.
After you check out these introductory pages about the types of diabetes, you can gain a deeper understanding by exploring the many articles and blog posts in the Diabetes Care Community.
Diabetes Overview Articles
How can I check if I have diabetes?Are you wondering, do I have diabetes? The reality is, anyone can develop this disease. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of signs and symptoms that may signal diabetes and get tested for a proper diagnosis. Here are some key ways to check if you have diabetes or may be at risk for developing it in the future.
It’s time to tackle diabetes stigma and the school environmentChildren flourish when they are safe, secure, loved, and given the freedom to explore their world in ways that reflect their abilities. At the same time, children are vulnerable; they are naturally dependent on others around them.
Diabetes and AgingCanadians living with diabetes face new health risks as they get older. Learn what you need to know about aging with diabetes - and how to stay as healthy as possible.
Type 1 diabetes in Canada: how common is it, early detection and managementType 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys insulin‑producing beta cells in the pancreas.
What To Do When Your Child with Type 1 Diabetes Is SickJust like other children, when your child with type 1 diabetes is sick it can be challenging: missing work or trying to secure a doctor’s appointment, but it also presents an increased level of care.
The why and how of T1D screening and early detectionScreening and early detection of type 1 diabetes can identify people at risk, sometimes years before symptoms appear.
Protecting Your Heart and Kidneys with Diabetes: A Proactive ApproachLiving with diabetes means managing more than just blood sugar. Over time, high blood glucose can silently damage blood vessels and organs, increasing the risk of complications—especially to the heart and kidneys.
Can type 1 diabetes be delayed or prevented?Researchers are making important strides in figuring out how type 1 diabetes develops and discovering ways that might help slow down its onset—especially in children and teens.
Heart and Kidney Health Connection: What You Need to KnowChronic kidney disease (CKD) affects one in 10, or approximately four million Canadians. Diabetes is the largest contributor to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). It is estimated that CKD affects two in five patients with type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes and family history: what we know about risk and the autoimmune natureWhile type 1 diabetes (T1D) can run in families, most people who develop it don’t have a known family history. This article explores how genetics and the immune system play a role in risk
