So, you’ve just learned that you have diabetes, or that someone you care for has the disease. It may take time to come to terms with this news and that’s perfectly ok. Just remember that armed with the right information and a proper diabetes management plan, you and your loved ones can live a healthy, prosperous life with diabetes.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body no longer produces any insulin. (Insulin is a hormone that helps your body to control the level of glucose in your blood.) Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of being used for energy. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and teenagers.
What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?
- Frequent urination (including bedwetting in children who previously didn’t wet the bed overnight)
- Increased thirst
- Unintended weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Lack of energy, extreme tiredness
- Extreme hunger
What causes type 1 diabetes?
It is not known exactly what causes type 1 diabetes. People who have a close family member (such as a parent, or a brother or sister) with type 1 diabetes are at a slightly higher risk of getting the disease. However, other risk factors have not yet been identified.
How is type 1 diabetes managed?
Insulin therapy is required for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Unlike type 2 diabetes, it is the only therapy that can be used to manage the disease. Insulin is injected by pen, syringe or an insulin pump. Your healthcare team can work with you to determine the number of insulin injections needed each day, the timing of insulin injections and the dose of insulin needed with each injection.
Healthy eating and meal planning
Healthy eating and meal planning are important in the management of type 1 diabetes. A variety of healthy foods are needed for a balanced diet. This includes lots of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, and a moderate amount of whole grains such as bread, rice, pasta and cereal. It is a good idea to meet with a registered dietitian who can help you with a meal plan.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (this is called insulin resistance). It is estimated that 11 million people in Canada are living with diabetes or prediabetes.
Should I be tested for type 2 diabetes?
People who are older than 40 years of age should be tested for type 2 diabetes every three years. People who have one or more risk factors should be tested more frequently.
How is type 2 diabetes managed?
The cornerstones of type 2 diabetes management are:
- Weight loss
- Healthy eating and meal planning
- Exercise
- Medications
Weight loss
Excess weight is associated with higher blood glucose levels and complications, so it’s important for people with diabetes who are overweight to try and lose weight. The good news is that studies have shown that losing even a little weight – between 5% and 10% of initial body weight – can improve diabetes control and reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
Healthy eating and meal planning
Preparing and eating healthy meals is important in helping to control your blood glucose levels. A variety of healthy foods are needed for a balanced diet. This includes lots of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, and a moderate amount of whole grains such as bread, rice, pasta and cereal. It is a good idea to meet with a registered dietitian who can help you with a meal plan.
Exercise
Exercising regularly not only helps with weight control – as many people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight – it also helps regulate insulin levels. Resistance exercise is also an important part of your regular physical activity plan.
Oral and injectable medications
When lifestyle modifications aren’t successful at keeping blood glucose levels in their target ranges for people with type 2 diabetes, medications may be prescribed. There are a number of drugs that are used to help people manage their condition.