What is diabetes and who is at risk
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious medical metabolic disorder in which there is too much glucose (often referred to as blood sugar) in your blood. This increase in blood sugar is caused by either a lack of insulin, or when your body is unable to use the insulin it does make, or both.
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps your body use the energy from sugar and starches in your food. Without insulin, your body can’t use the energy from the food you eat. Blood glucose is a form of sugar produced when the body digests carbohydrates (sugars and starches).
Glucose is the body's major fuel for the energy it needs. When insulin is absent or ineffective, the blood glucose (blood sugar) level increases. High blood glucose levels can lead to both short and long-term problems.
At present there is no cure for diabetes, and it is important that you have access to health care providers to help you manage your condition.
Learn more about:Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Impaired Fasting Glucose
Who Has Diabetes?
According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, over 2 million Canadians, about six per cent of the Canadian population, have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.
Diabetes Risk Factors
Find out if you are at risk for diabetes by learning about the risk factors. If you don't have any of these risk factors and are over 40, the Canadian Diabetes Association recommends testing for diabetes every three years.
If you have any of the following risk factors you should be tested at an earlier age and more often :Family member with diabetes Belong to a high risk ethnic group: Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian, or African descent Had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a large baby (over 4 kg.) Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and other blood fats Are overweight Have medical conditions associated with diabetes such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve disease, or problems with erections Have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary disease, schizophrenia, or acanthosis nigricans (darkened patches of skin)
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The health information on this Web site is for general background purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific conditions. Seek prompt medical attention for health care questions you have. Consult your physician before making changes to your medication, diet, fitness program or blood glucose testing schedules.