Diabetes and You

VICTORIA – More than 9 million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes. Over the next decade, diabetes diagnoses are expected to increase by 62 per cent in British Columbia - the second highest rate increase in Canada - according to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and the Vancouver Island Health Authority encourages everyone to learn more about this widespread chronic disease and join the fight against diabetes.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes affects the way the body uses food for fuel. It is caused by a lack or the ineffective use of insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas that is essential for converting energy from food. The body needs insulin to process nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins), and its absence causes high sugar (glucose) levels in the blood.
There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes – when the body does not make insulin at all. Typically diagnosed at a young age, type 1 diabetes accounts for about 10% of all people with diabetes.
• Type 2 diabetes – when the body doesn’t make enough insulin or does not effectively use the insulin that is produced. About 90% of people diagnosed with diabetes have type 2.
• Gestational diabetes –a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. It affects approximately 2 – 4% of pregnancies and involves an increased risk for developing diabetes later in life in both the mother and the child.

If diabetes is not managed well, the high levels of blood glucose can lead to other serious health conditions, such as heart disease, kidney disease, eye damage or nerve damage.

How do I know if I have diabetes?

If you think you may have diabetes, go to your doctor and get checked. It’s a simple blood test that is done at the lab. Some warning signs are:

• Unusual thirst;
• Frequent urination;
• Weight change (gain or loss); 
• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy; 
• Blurred vision;
• Frequent or recurring infections;
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal; 
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

It is important to recognize, however, that many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms.

Who is at risk for Type 2 diabetes?

It’s not fully understood why some people develop type 2 diabetes and others do not. It is clear, however, that certain factors increase the risk, including:

• You have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes.
• You’re a member of a high-risk group (Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian or African descent).
• You had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or you had a baby that weighed over 4 kg (9 lb) at birth.
• You have high blood pressure.
• You have high cholesterol or other fats in your blood.
• You’re overweight (especially if you carry most of your weight around your middle).

Can diabetes be prevented?

In many cases, Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed. The number one risk factor for type 2 diabetes is obesity. Lifestyle choices including exercise, healthy eating and weight control are important prevention steps.

How is Diabetes Treated?

Diabetes education is an important first step. All people with diabetes need to know how to manage this condition to assist in living a healthy, active life. For information contact your local VIHA Diabetes Education Centre or visit http://www.viha.ca/phc_cdm/cdm/diabetes.htm and http://www.diabetes.ca/.

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Media Contact:
Shannon Marshall
VIHA Communications
250-370-8270