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Diabetes - Know Your Risk
In 2006, the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) reported that more than 2 million Canadians had diabetes and were not aware of it. In fact, most people live with diabetes for seven years before they are diagnosed (CDA, 2006).
What is Diabetes?
You should eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day. Meals should include at least three of the four food groups, have plenty of whole grains, and be low in saturated and trans fats. Also, try to eat 7 – 10 servings of vegetables and fruit daily.
Physical activity is important. Try to be active for 30 – 60 minutes every day. Choose activities that you enjoy and that include a combination of endurance, strength, and flexibility. Over time, eating well and being physically active will not only help you reach and keep a healthy weight, it can help prevent the onset of diabetes.
Risk Factors
There are no known modifiable risk factors for type1 diabetes. Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes are nearly identical for women and men. However, some recent studies have shown that risk factors may develop earlier in women. The most common risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
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The Impact of Diabetes
Most complications linked to diabetes occur when blood sugar levels are not managed properly. If your blood
sugar levels are left uncontrolled, you may develop some of the following complications:
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Preventing Diabetes
Studies have shown you can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by eating well, being active and reaching and keeping a healthy body weight.
You should eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day. Meals should include at least three of the four food groups, have plenty of whole grains, and be low in saturated and trans fats. Also, try to eat 7 – 10 servings of vegetables and fruit daily.
Physical activity is important. Try to be active for 30 – 60 minutes every day. Choose activities that you enjoy and that include a combination of endurance, strength, and flexibility. Over time, eating well and being physically active will not only help you reach and keep a healthy weight, it can help prevent the onset of diabetes.
Managing Diabetes
As stated, even if you already have diabetes, following these prevention suggestions will help you to better manage your diabetes and keep your blood glucose levels in control. Follow your health care provider’s advice when it comes to managing your diabetes. Be sure to promptly report any blood sugar management problems and any other abnormal signs or symptoms.
The sooner diabetes is diagnosed; the sooner action can be taken to ensure it is controlled. Therefore, the CDA recommends that men and women aged 40 or over be screened for diabetes at least every 3 years. Although diabetes is a serious illness it can be managed and in some cases reversed.
Key References:
Canadian Diabetes Association. (2006). The prevalence and cost of diabetes. Retrieved July 20, 2006 from http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/prevalence.asp
Donahue, R.P., Rejman, K., Rafalson, L., et al. (2007). Sex differences in endothelial function markers before conversion to pre-diabetes: Does the clock start Ticking earlier among women? Diabetes Care, 30: 354-359.
Knowler,W.C., Barrett-Connor, E., Fowler, S.E., et al. (2001). Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. New England Journal of Medicine, 346:393-403.
Tumilheto, J., Lindstrom, J., Eriksson, J.G., et al. (2001). Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. New England Journal of Medicine, 334: 1343-1350.
