Last updated 1 month ago
Is diabetes putting you at risk for heart disease? Learn more about insulin and the health consequences associated with diabetes with these great resources. For more information on managing diabetes, visit Stop Diabetes Canada.
Last updated 1 month ago
According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, more than 2.4 million Canadians currently suffer from diabetes. In addition, studies show that up to six million more Canadians have pre-diabetes, increasing their risk for developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
· What Is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which the body uses to control the amount of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. Unfortunately, diabetics suffer from insulin resistance, or a condition characterized by the body’s inability to respond to and use insulin properly. This leads to increased levels of glucose in the blood, which can lead to several health complications.
· How Does Insulin Play a Role in Diabetes?
The role of insulin differs based on the type of diabetes. For example, type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to control the body’s level of glucose, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream rather than being used as energy. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body is unable to use the insulin that it produces.
· How Can I Relieve the Symptoms of Diabetes?
While insulin injections and medications can help to control blood sugar levels in diabetics, these treatments do not actually cure the underlying disease. Fortunately, there are several ways that diabetics can help to manage their blood glucose levels, including maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding obesity. These steps can also be helpful in avoiding pre-diabetes and decrease an individual’s chance of developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Learn how you can help decrease your risk of diabetes and manage the symptoms by contacting Stop Diabetes Canada. You can also visit our website to make a donation or to learn more about diabetes basics.
Last updated 2 months ago
Diabetes refers to a group of diseases characterized by high sugar or glucose levels in the blood that results from the body’s inability to produce or properly use insulin. While both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be managed through proper eating habits and exercise, untreated diabetes can increase your risk for a number of detrimental health complications, including blindness, kidney disease, and nerve damage. However, the most damaging health conditions linked to uncontrolled diabetes include heart disease and stroke.
- The Link Between Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Stroke
Studies by the Canadian Diabetes Association show that up to 80 per cent of individuals with diabetes will die as a result of a heart attack or stroke. While diabetes alone is a risk factor for both heart disease and stroke, there are a number of other conditions associated with diabetes that may increase these risks. For example, many diabetics are at an increased risk for heart disease and stroke due to obesity, abnormal blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
- The Risk Factors and Symptoms of Diabetes
The best way to prevent or delay the onset of these complications is to understand the risk factors and symptoms of diabetes. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, impaired glucose tolerance, and obesity. The symptoms associated with diabetes include unusual thirst, frequent urination, changes in weight, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, recurring infections, slow healing cuts and bruises, and tingling or numbness of the extremities.
Don’t let diabetes increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Learn how permanent weight loss of 5 per cent to 10 per cent can significantly decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke by contacting Stop Diabetes Canada. You can also join the fight by visiting our website and donating to our campaign.
Last updated 2 months ago
For more information about pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, check out these websites. To help fight diabetes, donate to Stop Diabetes Canada. Learn more about us by visiting our website.
- WebMD.com has information about changes you can make in your diet to fight diabetes and pre-diabetes.
- If you want to know more about pre-diabetes, the Public Health Agency of Canada can help.
- If you have diabetes, you know it can have serious complications. Visit the Canadian Diabetes Association for symptoms to watch out for.
- Are you unsure if you have pre-diabetes? Here are some warning signs to look out for.
Last updated 2 months ago
Hearing that you have pre-diabetes can be intimidating. You may not be sure exactly what the diagnosis means, especially because pre-diabetes has few symptoms. A diagnosis of pre-diabetes means that your blood sugar is higher than it should be, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Read on for information about risk factors and symptoms of pre-diabetes, possible complications, and what you can do to control pre-diabetes:
- Risk Factors and Symptoms
Risk factors for pre-diabetes are very similar to those for type II diabetes, including being overweight, having high blood pressure and cholesterol, carrying excess weight around your midsection, and having a close family member with diabetes. Symptoms include excess thirst, excess urination, and blurred vision. However, many pre-diabetics don’t notice any symptoms, so it is very important to see your doctor regularly so he can test your blood glucose level.
Even though pre-diabetes is not as life-threatening as type II diabetes, it can still cause health problems. Stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart attack can all result from pre-diabetes. These complications will only worsen if you develop type II diabetes, which can result if pre-diabetes goes untreated.
Fortunately, if you have pre-diabetes, there are plenty of strategies you can use to control the condition. First, try to lose weight. Losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight will make a big difference toward your risk of diabetes. Try to exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Including more vegetables and high-fibre foods in your diet will also lower your blood sugar and help control pre-diabetes.
These simple steps to improve your health will make all the difference in your fight against pre-diabetes. For more information about pre-diabetes, check out the website of Stop Diabetes Canada.
