What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that causes higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. The reason the blood sugar levels are high is either because the body is not producing enough insulin or the body is unable to properly use the insulin it produces.
Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, removes sugar, in the form of glucose, from the bloodstream and moves it into our cells, thereby lowering the blood sugar level. A person with diabetes has a condition in which the quantity of glucose in the blood is elevated. This is because there is not enough insulin produced, there is no insulin produced or because the cells are not responding properly to the insulin that is produced.
The Canadian Diabetes Association web site states that more than 9 million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes and that the cost of diabetes to the Canadian healthcare system was nearly double in 2010 to what it was in the year 2000. In 2010 the cost to Canada's healthcare system was $12.2 billion.
People with diabetes must be actively involved in the management of this disease and monitor their blood glucose levels to maintain and manage their health. Proper management can minimize symptoms and allow the individual with diabetes to feel better and have more energy.
Consistent regular testing and recording of blood glucose levels will provide a written record that will help both the individual and their physician track their condition. This tracking will show trends or changes and allow a quick reaction to changes in the diabetic's condition.
THIS MATERIAL DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. IT IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT A PHYSICIAN FOR SPECIFIC TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.