Diabetes Awareness Month

Today, there are 11 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes. Every three minutes, another Canadian is diagnosed. Chances are that diabetes affects you or someone you know.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence, but can develop in adulthood.

Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Meal planning also helps with keeping blood sugar at the right levels.

What is type 2 diabetes?

About 90 per cent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops more often in adults, but children can be affected. Depending on the severity of type 2 diabetes, it may be managed through physical activity and meal planning, or may also require medications and/or insulin to control blood sugar more effectively.

Tips for reducing risk of type 2 diabetes:

Manage your weight, particularly weight carried around the tummy. Excess body fat can increase the body's resistance to the hormone insulin.

Drink plenty of water – sugary coffees and sodas are not just high in calorie but also come with high sugar levels. Try making water your drink of choice to reduce unnecessary sugar intake.

Quit Smoking. Not only has it been shown to cause or contribute to many serious health conditions, including heart disease, emphysema and cancers of the lung, breast, prostate and digestive tract, but it also increases your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Ensure you are getting plenty of physical activity. Exercise increases the insulin sensitivity of your cells. If you feel you're having a hard time moving due to stiffness and aches, it may be time to come into your chiropractor for a review.

https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes

https://www.cdc.gov/features/livingwithdiabetes/index.html