Reducing your risk of diabetes

Take charge of your health and learn more about type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and associated risk factors.

What is diabetes?

According to Diabetes Canada, diabetes is a condition where the body either cannot produce insulin or can’t properly use the insulin it produces.

Insulin is a hormone which regulates blood sugar levels. Too much blood sugar can cause damage to organs, blood vessels and nerves. The body also needs insulin to use sugar for energy.

While type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that usually develops in childhood or adolescence, type 2 diabetes usually develops in adulthood and is caused by several different risk factors.

There is also a third type of diabetes – gestational diabetes – which is temporary and develops during pregnancy.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common diagnosis; roughly 90% of people living with diabetes have type 2.

Most diabetes is managed through medication or insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed through diet and exercise alone.

What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

Most people with prediabetes do not have any symptoms and if left untreated, more than 50% will develop type 2 diabetes within eight to 10 years.

What are the potential complications of diabetes?

If left unmanaged, diabetes can cause complications such as kidney disease, foot and leg problems, eye disease that can lead to blindness, heart attack and stroke, anxiety, nerve damage, amputation and erectile dysfunction.

What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?

Any of the following can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes:

• Being diagnosed with prediabetes
• Lifestyle factors: smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption
• Family history: having a parent or sibling with diabetes
• A high BMI (Body Mass Index), especially if weight is carried in the abdominal area
• High cholesterol or high blood pressure

You can find more information about type 2 diabetes risk factors through Diabetes Canada.

Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent among those of African, Arab, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous or South Asian descent.

If you are concerned or have questions about your potential risk of diabetes, please speak to your doctor. You can also take the CANRISK online questionnaire in less than 5 minutes to assess your risk.

Screening for type 2 diabetes is key to early detection

Diabetes Canada recommends an A1C blood test every three years for anyone over the age of 40, or anyone under 40 with one or more of the risk factors listed above. This test shows the average amount of sugar in your blood over three months.

If any of these factors apply to you, consider making an appointment with your family doctor for an A1C blood test. If you do not have a family doctor, you can obtain a requisition form from a virtual physician appointment at no cost. Here are a few providers offering virtual physician appointments:

• Walkin
• Telus MyCare
• Vivacare
• WELL Health VirtualClinic+

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed for many people through lifestyle changes including diet and exercise. The Diabetes Canada website offers information on diabetes management and self-care, as well as healthy living tools, resources, and more. They also offer educational sessions throughout the year hosted by certified diabetes educators.

Reversing type 2 diabetes with LifestyleRx

LifestyleRx provides free support to Canadians living in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, to help reverse type 2 diabetes and take control of their health. This physician-led program helps participants make safe, sustainable changes to reduce insulin resistance, lower or eliminate medications, and restore normal blood sugar levels. The 12-week program is completely virtual, featuring weekly group sessions and physician consultations. Learn more about Lifestyle Rx.