Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas no longer produces insulin. The body needs insulin to use sugar for energy. Approximately 10 per cent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin that is produced. 90 per cent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. It affects approximately 3.5 per cent of all pregnancies and involves an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child.

If left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety of complications, including:

The first step in avoiding the onset of these complications is recognizing the risk factors, as well as signs and symptoms that may indicate you have diabetes. Careful management of diabetes, for those living with it, can delay or even prevent complications.

Being:

• Age 40 or older
• A member of a high-risk ethnic group (Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian or African descent)
• Overweight (especially if you carry most of your weight around your middle)

Having:

Having been diagnosed with any of the following:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Acanthosis nigricans (darkened patches of skin)
• Schizophrenia

Signs and symptoms

• Unusual thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight change (gain or loss)
• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
• Blurred vision
• Frequent or recurring infections
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Trouble getting or maintaining an erection

It is important to recognize, however, that many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms.

• On the Road to Diabetes Health (English)
  On the Road to Diabetes Health is a diabetes education guide written by Fraser Health diabetes educators.
• On the Road to Diabetes Health (Farsi)
  On the Road to Diabetes Health is a diabetes education guide written by Fraser Health diabetes educators and translated into Farsi.
• On the Road to Diabetes Health (Chinese Simplified)
  On the Road to Diabetes Health is a diabetes education guide written by Fraser Health diabetes educators and translated into Chinese Simplified.
• On the Road to Diabetes Health (Punjabi)
  On the Road to Diabetes Health is a diabetes education guide written by Fraser Health diabetes educators and translated into Punjabi.

• On the Road to Diabetes Health: 7 Day Meal Plan - 45-gram carbohydrate (English)
  Suggested weekly meal plan and grocery shopping list to maintain 45-gram carbohydrate meals.