Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which your body either cannot produce insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it produces. 11 million Canadians are currently living with diabetes or prediabetes!

• Aiming for a more balanced diet and eating healthier food is one of the biggest changes you can make. Having diabetes does not mean you cannot eat your favourite foods, but it is important to know that different foods can affect your blood sugar in different ways.

• Being active can also keep your blood sugar levels in check and your diabetes under control. Physical activity does not only help with weight loss, but it can also help with lowering cholesterol, improving blood pressure, lowering stress and anxiety, and improving your mood. 

• Regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels helps you make informed choices about activity and food so that you can stay on target. Even if you do not have diabetes, it is important to get regular blood tests recommended by your doctor to monitor your blood sugar levels.

• Taking the right medications will help you have greater control over your diabetes and help you feel better. To lower the risk of complications from diabetes, there are several medications that can help you. These include insulin, pills that lower your blood sugar, blood pressure medication, and cholesterol-lowering medication.