It's the lifestyle disease of the new millennium.
But for the vast majority of people affected by, or at risk of developing diabetes, there are two simple ways to manage the disease or delay its onset - diet and physical activity.
"Enjoy a variey of foods. Emphasize cereals, breads and other whole grain products, vegetables and fruit."
Managing blood sugar levels is a the goal, according to Alexis Mantell of the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Regular exercise helps lower blood sugar and blood pressure, reduces stress, promotes weight loss and enhances overall fitness.
"You don't have to run a marathon," says Mantell. "Garden, walk, do household chores. Your goal should be to work up to 20 to 45 minutes of non-stop activity at least three times a week."
Meal planning and a balanced diet are also critical. Enjoy a variety of foods. Emphasize cereals, breads and other whole grain products, vegetables and fruit. Choose lower-fat dairy products, leaner meats and food prepared with little or no fat, and try to limit salt, alcohol and caffeine. Mantell also encourages people with diabetes to seek the advice of a registered dietician.
Type 1 and Type 2
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce the insulin the body needs to convert sugar to energy, or the body cannot effectively use insulin.
As a result, people with diabetes have higher levels of blood sugar that, if uncontrolled, could damage veins and arteries over time, and lead to severe and potentially disabling complications.
An estimated 200,000 Canadians have type 1 diabetes and require insulin as part of their disease management program. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in childhood and occurs because the pancreas produces little or no insulin. But 90 per cent of the more than two million Canadians with diabetes have type 2, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce the amount of insulin the body needs, or the body does not effectively use the insulin it does produce.
For these people, exercise and diet could have delayed or prevented the disease, and remain the key to managing it.
Get Educated
Learning as much as possible about the disease is one of the most important things a person with diabetes can do.
There are a great many myths, according to Mantell. For example, there is no "Diabetics' Diet." While meal planning is important, people with diabetes are advised to follow Canada's Food Guide. As well, sugar, especially in fruits and vegetables, can be included in the diets of most people with diabetes.
It's also important for all Canadians to know if they are at risk and to find out what they can do to delay or prevent the onset of the disease.
Are You at Risk?
You are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:
- are age 45 or older;
- are overweight and carry most of that weight around the middle;
- are of Aboriginal, African or Hispanic descent;
- have a parent, brother or sister with the disease;
- have given birth to a baby over nine pounds;
- have high cholesterol;
- have high blood sugar levels; or
- have high blood pressure or another heart problem.
To find out more, call the Canadian Diabetes Association at 1 800 BANTING (226-8464) or visit the association's Web site at www.diabetes.ca