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Health can be described as a balanced state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
Being healthy does not only mean you are free from disease. Being healthy also means that you
are educated and informed about all the sources of care available to you in your community. It
means that you are educated about how and when to use your health care system, your physician,
your pharmacist, or any other health care provider - allowing you to work together with your
health care team to plan for your future health and wellness.
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce or properly use insulin,
a hormone that allows the
body to use sugar, starches, and other foods as energy. It is not a single disease, but can occur in
several forms, including, most commonly, type 1, type 2, and gestational
diabetes. Together, these types of diabetes affect about 5% of Canadians
20 years of age and up, becoming more prevalent in older age groups.
Up to one third of Canadians who have diabetes may not realize
it - often there are no obvious symptoms - so the actual percentage
may be much higher. Although at the present time there is no cure,
knowing you have diabetes empowers you because it means you can
take control of the condition and work to prevent or delay
the many potential health challenges that diabetes can
cause. Early diagnosis of diabetes can make a huge
difference in your long-term health.
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Facts about diabetes
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An overview of who is most at risk to develop diabetes, some of its warning signs, and how it is diagnosed
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A discussion about why keeping your diabetes under control is essential
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Steps you can take to manage your diabetes and prevent or delay its complications
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Quick reference tables listing the most common diabetes medications and insulins
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Where to go for more information or support
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There is no single, simple treatment your doctor can prescribe to completely control
your diabetes. While your diabetes care may include oral medications and/or insulin,
it must also include positive lifestyle changes that only you can make for yourself. This
booklet will help you find the information and motivation you need to help keep your
diabetes well-controlled - and to prevent or delay its many serious complications.
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