Understanding Diabetes
Empowering You with the Essential Information to Manage and Prevent type 2 Diabetes
Beginner: Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
For users new to type 2 diabetes or looking to understand risk and basics.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use insulin effectively. Understanding diabetes is key to managing and preventing this condition. If you're unsure of some of the terms, The American Diabetes Association Common Terms can help.
Types of Diabetes
Prediabetes
Prediabetes indicates higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, serving as a warning sign to make lifestyle changes and prevent type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Commonly diagnosed in children and young adults.
Type 2 Diabetes
The most common form, occurring when the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Often develops in adults but increasingly seen in younger populations.
Gestational Diabetes
Develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after delivery but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Recognizing the signs of type 2 diabetes is crucial for early intervention. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Understanding your risk factors, such as age, family history, and lifestyle choices, helps in assessing your likelihood of developing the condition. Addressing both symptoms and risk factors can lead to timely diagnosis and effective management.
Are you at Risk?
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is like a cluster of related health issues that can significantly increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It often includes things like higher-than-normal blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, extra weight around your waist, and higher fasting blood sugar.
If you have metabolic syndrome, it means your body isn't processing food and energy as efficiently as it should, making it harder to manage blood sugar and increasing your chances of developing diabetes down the line. Recognizing and addressing metabolic syndrome through lifestyle changes is a key step in preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes and protecting your overall health.
Diabetes Myths & Misconceptions: Know Your Facts
Debunking Myths - Diabetes Canada
Diabetes Canada presents common diabetes myths, addressing risk factors, symptoms, and daily management to help individuals better care for themselves.
Diabetes Facts - The American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association reviews the myths about type 2 diabetes and outlines the facts.
Myths & Frequently asked Questions - Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK dispels the myths and answers frequently asked questions about type 2 Diabetes to set the record straight.
Diabetes Food Myths - Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK outlines the myths behind the diabetic diet and how you can increase your understanding of what foods to eat.
Intermediate: Starting to Manage Your Diabetes
For users diagnosed with T2D and beginning to self-manage their condition.
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Weight change
(gain or loss)
Lack of energy
Blurred vision
Slow wound healing
Increased hunger
Frequent infections
T2D Biology Explained
This video from Diabetes UK provides an overview of diabetes, explaining that it is a condition marked by high blood sugar levels due to problems with insulin. High blood sugar can cause problems throughout the body. The video emphasizes that proper management, including lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring, is key to living a full life with diabetes.
HbA1c and Targets
Your HbA1c, or A1c for short, is a blood test that gives us an idea of your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Think of it like a long-term average, rather than a snapshot like your daily finger-prick tests. It measures how much sugar has attached to your red blood cells. Knowing your HbA1c helps you and your healthcare team see how well your diabetes is being managed and make any necessary adjustments to keep you healthy in the long run.
Diagnosis and Monitoring
Management
Managing type 2 diabetes involves not only monitoring but also making necessary adjustments to your lifestyle, metabolic health, and treatment plan based on your ongoing results. This can include making changes to your diet, exercise routine, and medication regimen. Your healthcare provider will work with you to set personalized goals and make adjustments as needed to ensure optimal blood sugar control. Regular follow-ups will help assess the effectiveness of your treatment plan and address any challenges you may encounter, ensuring you receive comprehensive support for long-term diabetes management.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing type 2 diabetes typically begins with a visit to your healthcare provider, who will assess your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. The diagnosis is confirmed through a series of blood tests that measure glucose levels. Common tests include the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, which measures blood sugar after an overnight fast, and the hemoglobin A1c test (HbA1c), which provides an average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. Another test, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), involves drinking a sugary solution and measuring blood sugar levels at intervals to assess how well your body processes glucose.
Monitoring
Once diagnosed, ongoing monitoring is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes effectively. Regular blood glucose testing helps track your blood sugar levels (preventing hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia) and ensure they stay within the target range set by your healthcare provider. This can be done using a glucometer or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, which provides real-time data. Additionally, routine check-ups are essential to monitor for any potential complications, such as cardiovascular issues or diabetic retinopathy. Your healthcare team will also evaluate your treatment plan regularly, adjusting medications or lifestyle recommendations as needed to optimize your diabetes management.
Organizations that can support you
Featured Resource: New Diabetes Canada T2D Videos - Released March 2025
Managing type 2 diabetes can be challenging, but you're not alone. No matter where you are on your journey, understanding your condition empowers you to feel more confident and in control of your health.
This series offers practical, easy-to-follow guidance on managing type 2 diabetes in a way that fits your lifestyle. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years, these videos provide trusted information, expert advice, and simple strategies for staying healthy.
Organizations that can support you
Banting & Best Diabetes Centre
The University of Toronto Banting & Best Diabetes Centre has put together a great source of education materials to help you better manage your diabetes.
University of Toronto Diabetes College
The Toronto Institute of Rehabilitation outlines what type 2 diabetes is, what causes it, and how it impacts your body.
Diabetes
Canada
Diabetes Canada is a leading organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by diabetes through education, advocacy, and research. They provide resources, support, and programs to help individuals manage type 2 diabetes.
National Indigenous Diabetes Association
The National Indigenous Diabetes Association is dedicated to improving diabetes care and outcomes for Indigenous communities across Canada. They provide the Pathway to Wellness handbook for Indigenous Peoples living with diabetes.
Punjabi, Chinese, Farsi Diabetes Education
Are you in need of diabetes education materials in your preferred language? Fraser Health offers a comprehensive booklet available for download in English, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, and Farsi, making it easier for you to access the information you need.
Diabetes Classes Fraser Health
Fraser Health's diabetes education centers offer free education and support classes to individuals living with diabetes, as well as their families and the community. Additionally, classes in Punjabi are offered in Surrey and Abbotsford.
Education Materials
Enhance your understanding of Type 2 Diabetes with free comprehensive education materials provided by Diabetes Canada.
Virtual Learning
Want to learn at your own pace?
Join the Diabetes Canada virtual learning space and gain access to the video series and virtual diabetes education program.
Diabetes Classes Vancouver Island
Diabetes Education Centres offer education and support for individuals diagnosed with pre-diabetes, type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. The program aims to help people of all ages effectively self-manage their diabetes.
Diabetes Classes Northern Health
Visit Northern Health Diabetes Centres for expert education and support on managing diabetes. Our centers offer personalized guidance and resources to help you take control of your health and live well with diabetes.
Do you have questions?
Diabetes Canada’s toll-free helpline (1-800-BANTING) and email support (info@diabetes.ca) provide confidential guidance, trusted resources, and connections to local services. Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST), this service supports anyone affected by diabetes, including patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.