© 2005-2011 Canadian Diabetes Association
Revised September 5,
2012
Diabetes:
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What you need
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About the Canadian Diabetes
Association
Our mission is to lead the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure.

We deliver our mission by:
• Providing education and services
• Advocating on behalf of people with diabetes
• Supporting research
• Translating research into practical applications

Objectives
At the end of this session, you will:
• Understand the seriousness of diabetes and how it affects all Canadians.
• Be able to define the different types of diabetes.
• Be able to identify the symptoms of diabetes.
• Be able to list the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
• Recognize the importance of healthy eating and physical activity.

True or False?
• Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
– FALSE
• You can have “borderline” diabetes or a “touch of sugar”.
– FALSE
• Insulin is a cure for diabetes.
– FALSE
• Diabetes is a serious disease like cancer or heart disease.
– TRUE
• More than 3 million Canadians live with diabetes.
– TRUE

What do you know about diabetes?

Signs and Symptoms
• Need to urinate often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Change in weight
• Feeling very tired
• Blurred vision

Signs and Symptoms
• Many infections
• Cuts and bruises are slow to heal
• Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet
• Trouble getting or keeping an erection

Signs and Symptoms
• Type 1 diabetes:
– symptoms appear quickly
• Type 2 diabetes:
– symptoms may be slow to develop or may not appear at all
• Many people who have type 2 diabetes, don’t know they have it.
• Get tested now!

Testing for Diabetes
• Blood test
• Talk to your healthcare professional

Discussion
• Why do you think some of these signs and symptoms go unnoticed?

Type 1 Diabetes
About 10% of people with diabetes have type 1.
People with type 1 must inject insulin every day.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?
• About 90% of people with diabetes have type 2.
• The pancreas does not work properly.
• It may be prevented.

What is Gestational Diabetes?
• Diabetes that develops during pregnancy
• Affects 3.7% of all pregnant women.
• Gestational diabetes cannot be prevented.
• Place women at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

What is Pre-Diabetes?
• Blood glucose levels are higher than normal but below the level to be diagnosed as diabetes.
• There is a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
• There may be no symptoms.
• It can be diagnosed by your healthcare professional with a routine blood test.

Risk Factors You Can’t Change
• Age:
– people over 40 are at a greater risk
• Family history:
– risk is highest when a parent, brother, sister or child has diabetes

Risk Factors You Can’t Change
• Ethnic background:
– Aboriginal, Hispanic/Latino, Asian,
South Asian or African/Caribbean
• Other risk factors

Risk Factors You Can Change
• Exercise
• Weight

Risk Factors You Can Change
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol

Diabetes is Serious
– Ketoacidosis
– Eye disease
– Heart disease
– Nerve damage
– Kidney disease
– Sexual dysfunction
– Digestive problems
– Dry Skin
– Depression
– Early death
– Amputation

Diabetes Affects Us All
• Do you have a co worker with diabetes?
• Do you have a friend with diabetes?
• Do you have a family member with diabetes?
• Do you have taxes taken off of your paycheck?
• Diabetes affects us all.

True or False?
• Healthy food choices can include chocolate.
– TRUE
• Healthy food choices means eating a lot of lettuce.
– FALSE
• Healthy eating means completely changing your eating habits.
– FALSE
• Fad diets are a good guide to healthy eating.
– FALSE

Healthy Food Choices
• Eating Well with Canada’s
Food Guide
• Try:
– Vegetables and Fruit
– Grain Products
– Milk and Alternatives
– Meat and Alternatives

How Much Do I Need?
• Split dinner plate into 3 parts

• Vegetables
• Grains and fruit
Serving Sizes
• Meat and meat alternatives
• Fats and oils

Making Small Changes
• What small changes can you make today?

True or False?
• You have to be slim to be fit.
– FALSE
• Too little exercise is almost as bad for your health as smoking.
– TRUE
• Exercise can greatly lessen the risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
– TRUE
• You have to exercise for long periods of time to benefit.
– FALSE

Becoming More Active
• 150 minutes of exercise each week
• Resistance exercises
• Start slow

Getting Started
• Start slowly.
• Do something you like.
• Have a support network.
• Set small goals and celebrate when you achieve them.
• Speak to a personal trainer or healthcare professional.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Start today!

Plan for Success
• Life can get in the way of regular exercise and making healthy food choices.
• Have a back-up plan.

Review
• What are some risk factors for type 2 diabetes that you can change?
• What are some risk factors for type 2 diabetes that you cannot change?
• What does pre-diabetes mean?
• How often should you exercise?
• What are two small changes you can make today?

Learn more
• To learn more about how to live well with diabetes and how complications may be prevented or delayed, please visit: www.diabetes.ca

We Need Your Help....
• Volunteer
• Donate
• Join Team Diabetes
• Become a member

Who Do My Donations Support?
Your donation counts. Every dollar is gratefully received and wisely invested in the fight against diabetes.

Remember
Small changes really DO make a difference!

Questions?

Thank You!
• Participant List
• Evaluation Form
• Handouts

We’re Here to Help
Call 1-800-BANTING
(1-800-226-8464)
Visit www.diabetes.ca
for local events and support groups