It is estimated that approximately 2 million Canadians are living with diabetes. And the numbers are growing – up 31% in the last five years in Ontario alone according to a recent report.

Experts blame the increase in diabetes on parallel changes in society – people eating too much fatty food, eating portions that are much too big, and sitting in front of TVs and computer screens too long.

However, there’s positive news, too!

The increased numbers also mean that people with diabetes are being diagnosed earlier, which means they’re getting treated earlier, too. People with diabetes are also living longer. But what’s most positive is that we know that diabetes can be managed. We can make positive lifestyle changes that can prevent diabetes, or keep many of the symptoms at bay.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when your body fails to keep blood sugar, or glucose, at normal levels. This happens because your body has trouble producing a hormone called insulin, or because it can’t use the insulin it makes. There are two main types of diabetes:

• Type 1. Your body makes too little or no insulin, and you need daily shots of insulin to regulate your sugar levels. People usually develop Type 1 diabetes in childhood.

• Type 2. Your body cannot use the insulin it makes properly. About 90% of diabetics have Type 2, and is usually controlled by watching your diet, managing or loosing weight and medication. Type 2 is a disease directly linked to diet and lifestyle and while it was previously a disease of older adults, it is now being seen in young adults and even in teenagers and children.

So, what can we do about it?

Know the risks

Some people are at greater risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, because of their age, weight, ethnic origin or other factors. If not properly diagnosed and managed, diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and amputation. So it’s important to know if you’re at risk. The quiz on this page may help. You can use it as a guide when you talk to your health care professional about diabetes testing and treatment

Diet and exercise

Whether you’re trying to reduce your risk of developing diabetes, or treating and controlling the disease, the key is diet and exercise.

It’s important to avoid gaining weight, especially as your metabolism changes in your 30s, 40s and 50s. That means making wise food choices and avoiding excess fat and calories. And getting away from that TV or computer screen and becoming more physically active!

Physical activity improves the muscles’ ability to use the insulin you produce, which reduces blood sugar levels. So find something you enjoy, like walking, swimming or working out in a gym with friends, and put activity into your daily routine.

Smart food choices

Smart food choices help keep blood sugar, weight and cholesterol in better control. So focus on fewer calories and eat less fat and sugar. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish instead.

As for many of the other foods you love, they’re now possible in moderation. With the newer sugar substitutes you can continue to bake pies, cakes and cookies. These sugar substitutes bake like natural sugar, without the calories or the carbohydrates found in sugar. One good source for delicious sugar-free recipes with the one sugar substitute that bakes like natural sugar is www.Splenda.ca.

Monitoring diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar is crucial to living a longer and healthier life.

Monitoring programs can range from the simple – daily urine samples using test strips – to the more complex – taking blood samples from a fingertip several times a day and testing it using a blood glucose meter. Today diabetic test kits are more user-friendly than ever. And easy to use anywhere, any time.

For instance, the new blood glucose meters are less painful to use when testing blood sugar levels. Meters, such as the new LIFESCAN ONE TOUCH* Ultra blood Glucose Meter, for example, take blood from the arm rather than the sensitive fingertip. And when only a small amount of blood is needed, a shallow, less painful prick is all that’s required.

Of the many meters available, the key is finding one, which you feel comfortable with. Then, you’re more likely to follow your testing schedule, improve your blood glucose control, and ultimately manage your diabetes better. Ask your pharmacist if you need help choosing a meter to match your lifestyle.

It’s the positive lifestyle choices we make that can help us combat diabetes. To discuss diabetes and what you can do to reduce the risk or manage the disease better, talk to your doctor.

Are You at Risk?

Early diagnosis is the key to treating diabetes effectively and delaying the onset of severe complications. This simple quiz will help you see if you’re at risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Are you 45 years of age or older?
Yes ( ) No ( )

Do you have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes?
Yes ( ) No ( )

Are you overweight or has your health care provider suggested that you lose weight? This is particularly important if you carry most of your weight around the middle.
Yes ( ) No ( )

Are you of Aboriginal, African, Hispanic or Asian descent?
Yes ( ) No ( )

Are you the mother of a child who was over 4 kg (9 lbs.) at birth?
Yes ( ) No ( )

Do you experience frequent urination and/or excessive thirst?
Yes ( ) No ( )

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Talk to your doctor about your risk and discuss whether testing is needed. Whatever the quiz results, it’s always a good idea to start making lifestyle changes, which include healthy eating and physical activity.

* Trademark

Source: Health Canada website/diabetes
Background Information:

• The Institute for Clinical Evaluative Studies – Diabetes Atlas 2002
  
• Press release and first installment at www.ices.on.ca.
  
• Health Canada
  
• Canadian Living – Health for Life – Spring 2001
  
• Chatelaine – July 2001, Jully 2000, May 2000
  
• Canadian Diabetes Foundation
  
• Splenda Web Site
  
• Lifescan Web Site
  
• Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist – Elora, Ontario