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
Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes: how do I know?The reality is, you can have prediabetes and even type 2 diabetes, without realizing it because the symptoms may not be apparent. Left unmanaged, there is a good chance prediabetes will turn into type 2 diabetes eventually.
Antioxidant-rich foods could reduce type 2 diabetesDid you know that antioxidant-rich foods could reduce type 2 diabetes?
Ketones...what are they and what do they mean?People often ask what it means when their meter flashes "test ketones".
Do insulin injections hurt? Get the facts.When told they need to move to insulin injections, many people fear the pain associated with needles. Yet the reality is that when insulin therapy is started, most people are surprised to find how little the injections hurt.
Does having diabetes lead to muscle loss?Everyone experiences some muscle loss as they age, but having diabetes can make you more susceptible to muscle loss even at a younger age
An introduction to key diabetes terms and what they meanIf you have diabetes, no doubt you’ve heard some key diabetes terms that keep cropping up in reading materials and in conversations with your healthcare providers. Here are some of the most common ones and what they mean, so you’ll always be in the loop.
Can eating sugar cause diabetes?If you have diabetes, you’ve probably heard this question many times: “Can eating a lot of sugar cause diabetes?” The simple answer is no; however, there are some factors that are worth exploring.
Insulin resistance: what it is and how to prevent itNormally, the insulin in your body allows your cells to convert blood sugar into energy. But when you have insulin resistance, your cells aren’t responding properly, which causes blood sugar levels to rise. Here’s a look at the signs of insulin resistance as well as the ways you can help prevent it from becoming a concern in your life.
Newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes? 8 things you need to knowIf you or your child are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed. Here are eight quick tips that you can use to help you take control.
Cancer, diabetes and diabetes treatment. Is there a link?Learn about the connection between diabetes and cancer, as well as whether there is a risk of diabetes treatments and risk of cancer.
