Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: Are you at Risk?
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November 17, 2018
The number of Canadians diagnosed with prediabetes is expected to rise to 5.7 million people, or 22% of the population by the year 2025.
Prediabetes is when your blood sugar (glucose) levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Many Canadians are living with prediabetes and don’t even know it.
You can find out if you’re at risk for diabetes by taking the Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/en/canrisk.
Common diabetes risk factors include:
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Being overweight;
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Being physically active less than three times a week;
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Over the age of 40;
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You are at higher risk if your parent, brother or sister has type 2 diabetes;
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African, Arab, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous and South Asian populations are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes;
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High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels;
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If you had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant or if your baby weighed more than nine pounds.
If you think you’re at risk for diabetes, contact your health care provider and ask to be screened. Diabetes Canada recommends screening every three years for everyone once they reach the age of 40, and more frequently if risk factors are present. Early diagnosis is the key to preventing type 2 diabetes.
The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Knowing your risk and taking action are the first steps in preventing type 2 diabetes. Being physically active, eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and being smoke free are important steps to a healthy life.
For more information on prediabetes and prevention programs speak to your health care provider or contact Diabetes Health at 807-344-3422.