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False. Diabetes is a leading cause of death in Canada. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause multiple, serious complications - including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and lower limb amputation. A national public health survey revealed that approximately 60% of people with diabetes have at least one complication and almost one in four have two or more diabetes-related health problems. Treatment of diabetes and its complications costs about $13.2 billion in Canada each year.
But there is good news. By taking charge of their health, people with diabetes can live long and active lives.
False. People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing diabetes, but the condition is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Avoiding sugar will not prevent or treat diabetes. In fact, foods with sugar in them are not completely off limits to people at risk of diabetes (or with diabetes), but like many other choices in a nutritious diet, they should be eaten in moderation. Eating too much sugar could provide too many calories, leading to weight gain.
False. You may hear people say they have mild or "borderline" diabetes,but it is important to realize that you either have diabetes or you do not. All cases of diabetes are equally serious and should be managed aggressively to prevent complications. The slightest increase in blood sugar (blood glucose) from normal target ranges, especially after meals, increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Complications can occur in people whose blood sugar is very high, but they can also occur in people whose blood sugar is just above target levels - even if they do not experience any symptoms. Diabetes isn't a temporary condition. Once people are diagnosed, they will have to continue to manage their disease for the rest of their lives.
False. For the vast majority of people, diabetes shouldn't place restrictions on their choice of work. But it does make sense to take a few precautions. If you have diabetes, be sure you wear your identification bracelet or card, let the appropriate people at work know, and teach your coworkers how to help should the need arise. Also, if you do physically demanding work or shift work, you may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely.
Shift work can present a special challenge, particularly for people using insulin, in trying to maintain consistent blood sugar control. See http://www.diabetes.ca/section_about/
shiftwork.asp for valuable information and advice about staying healthy while working shifts.
If you work at a desk or seated job, you'll have to make an extra effort to fit exercise in, such as going for lunch-hour walks or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. And if your job involves driving, you will need to be familiar with the Canadian Diabetes Association's "2003 Guidelines for Diabetes and Private and Commercial Driving." See http://www.diabetes.ca/section_about/aboutdriveguide.asp for more information.
Talk to your health care team about your work life. They can advise you in planning your diet, blood sugar monitoring, and medications to ensure you stay healthy - at home and at work.
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