There are more than 5.7 million Canadians living with diagnosed diabetes. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we remain informed about diabetes treatment and research.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects the way the body breaks down food into energy.
Those living with diabetes either do not create enough insulin or can’t use it effectively during the digestion process. When the body has too little insulin or cells are not responding to insulin, blood sugar stays in the bloodstream, rather than being converted into energy. High blood sugar levels can cause serious health issues, including vision loss, heart disease, and kidney disease.
The three main types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes. There is no known way to prevent Type 1 diabetes, but Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of diabetes may include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended to visit your doctor and ask about getting your blood sugar tested.
There are three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes typically starts in childhood or into your young adult years, though onset may occur at any age.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop over several years, and some people living with Type 2 diabetes don’t experience symptoms at all.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually does not have any symptoms. Pregnant folks should be tested for gestational diabetes between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy to ensure changes can be made in time to protect you and your baby’s health.
The main cause of diabetes varies depending on the type. However, it is not certain how Type 1 diabetes is caused.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that leaves the body without insulin. According to Diabetes Canada, researchers believe that genes and/or one’s environment may be responsible for triggering Type 1 diabetes. However, more research must be done to confirm the true cause of this disease.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by several factors, including: obesity, a family history of Type 2 diabetes, ethnic background, and other environmental factors. Those who are not physically active and are considered overweight or obese are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is caused by hormone changes during pregnancy. In this case, the pancreas is not able to make enough insulin due to these hormone changes. However, a pregnant person’s diet, genes, and exercise habits may also be responsible for the onset of gestational diabetes.
While doctors are hard at work searching for a cure for diabetes, there are steps that those living with Type 2 diabetes can take to manage symptoms, including losing weight, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.
Those at risk for diabetes should have their blood sugar tested regularly in order to prevent or delay symptoms in the early stages.
Discovering that a loved one is living with diabetes can be worrisome, but you should know that there are plenty of things you can do to help a loved one manage their diabetes.
If you are seeking to help someone living with diabetes, you may want to speak to a healthcare professional to better understand the condition and what you can do to help. Encouraging regular physical activity and healthy meals with your loved one can help tremendously.
Researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) are currently conducting research and clinical trials for one of the world’s first genetically engineered cell replacement therapies for Type 1 diabetes, having received $1 million from Canada’s Stem Cell Network.
“This has the potential to transform the management of Type 1 diabetes, hopefully eliminating the need for daily insulin injections and overcoming the drawbacks of previous cell replacement therapies,” says Dr. David Thompson, a clinical assistant professor of endocrinology at UBC and director of VCH’s Vancouver General Hospital Diabetes Centre who is leading the study. “I am very grateful to the Stem Cell Network for supporting this important work.”
Researchers and healthcare workers at VGH & UBC Hospitals are able to conduct transformative diabetes research through generous donations to the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Please consider donating today and contributing to the search for a diabetes cure.
The Government of Canada has released The Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire (CANRISK) in partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada. Complete the quiz to find your risk score and learn more about diabetes.
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