Patient Education Materials
Supporting both patient and family education and self-management
Education
Enhance patient understanding of Type 2 Diabetes with free comprehensive education materials provided by Diabetes Canada.
Virtual Learning
Patient learning at their own pace.
The Diabetes Canada virtual learning provides access to the video series and virtual diabetes education program.
Punjabi, Chinese, Farsi Diabetes Education
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.
Introduction to Diabetes Free Course
The International Diabetes Federation offers a free introductory course on diabetes, providing essential knowledge for anyone looking to understand the condition better.
Healthy Lifestyle Programs
Self-management BC T2D Prevention Program
Explore our diverse diabetes prevention programs designed to fit your lifestyle, including virtual group sessions, in-person workshops, and self-paced online courses. Whether you prefer interactive group settings, personal coaching, or self-guided learning, we have the right option to help you manage your health effectively.
LifeStyle Rx Diabetes Reversal Virtual Program
Type 2 diabetes can be reversed, and this program is covered in BC, AB, and ON. A Canadian, physician-led team provides a lifestyle prescription to help reduce insulin resistance, decrease or eliminate medications, and restore normal blood sugar levels. The program is entirely virtual, with all medical sessions and consultations conducted through video calls, ensuring a safe, supervised process that allows for personalized care without travel or waiting rooms. Family doctors are kept informed as the program progresses, ensuring seamless and coordinated care.
Diabetes Canada Virtual Diabetes Education Program
Newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or need a refresher? Diabetes Canada's virtual education program offers practical, up-to-date tips and answers to your questions through live online sessions and video recordings. Explore diabetes management basics and dive into specific topics with our monthly updates. While focused on Type 2 diabetes, the content is beneficial for anyone managing or caring for diabetes. Register now to get started!
Arago Healthy Lifestyle Program
Aroga Lifestyle Medicine offers evidence-based programs focusing on holistic, non-pharmaceutical treatments for chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Their approach includes personalized care, lifestyle changes, and support through programs such as Reversal & Prevention and On-Going Monthly Care.
Small Steps for Big Changes T2D Program
Do you want to participate? First, determine your risk of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes by taking the program test. If you qualify, sign up for the program at your local YMCA or community organization, or join the SSBC mailing list if it's not yet available in your area. You'll get a month of access to a fitness facility and six personalized exercise and dietary coaching sessions over three weeks.
15-minutes Strength Workout for Diabetics
This winter-friendly workout by Eating Well provides an efficient, heart-pumping exercise routine that can be done at home, eliminating the need for a gym or braving the cold weather.
Resistance Training for Diabetic Health
Resistance training, recommended 2-3 times a week by Diabetes Canada, helps improve diabetes management by building and maintaining lean muscle, burning calories at rest, and aiding in weight control. Simple resistance exercises can be done at home with items like exercise bands, dumbbells, or even household objects, offering benefits such as better blood sugar control, increased strength, and improved overall health. Start with 2 sets of 8 repetitions and gradually progress to 3 sets of 12.
Learn About your Metabolic Health
Take charge of your health with LifeStyleRx videos by understanding metabolism—the process of turning food into energy, growth, and repair—which is key to staying strong and healthy while avoiding metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Be Part of a Better Community - Support Group
Join the LifestyleRx Better Community Support Group and take the first step toward a healthier, more energetic you! Connect with like-minded individuals, access expert guidance, and discover personalized strategies to improve your metabolic health. Together, we'll tackle challenges, celebrate victories, and build sustainable habits for lasting well-being.
Aerobic Exercise - What, When, How Much?
An aerobic exercise plan from Diabetes Canada helps improve cardiovascular fitness and is crucial for managing diabetes. The plan encourages regular aerobic activity (e.g., walking) and gradually increases frequency, intensity, and duration. It is important to exercise regularly and monitor blood sugar, as exercise may affect medication responses. The intensity of exercise is rated on a scale from 0 (rest) to 10 (maximal). Benefits of exercise include improved blood sugar control, reduced diabetes complications, and better overall health. Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-oriented) helps stay motivated and track progress.
How to Stay Motivated to Move - Webinar
This Diabetes Canada webinar highlights that regular physical activity offers numerous benefits, including better blood sugar control, but balancing a fitness routine with a busy schedule can be difficult.
Staying Healthy with Diabetes
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for controlling type 2 diabetes. Excess weight can increase insulin resistance and make blood sugar management more challenging. Set realistic weight goals and work towards achieving them through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% of your body weight can significantly improve blood sugar control.
Takes Steps to Manage your Stress
Stress can negatively impact blood sugar levels and overall diabetes management. Implement stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises to help manage daily stress. Establishing a balanced lifestyle with adequate sleep and relaxation can also contribute to better blood sugar control and overall well-being.
Sleep and Diabetes Management
Diabetes UK highlights the complex relationship between diabetes and sleep, as fluctuations in blood sugar and complications like neuropathy can disrupt sleep, making it harder for people with diabetes to get quality rest.
The Power of Mindfulness in Diabetes
Diabetes Canada reflects on the power of mind in diabetes management. After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Suzanne Foreman turned to yoga, meditation, and journaling to manage her condition, finding these practices helped her emotionally and physically cope with the stress, while fostering self-compassion and mindfulness.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Techniques
Discover the benefits of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) with HealthLink BC. This evidence-based program helps you calm your mind and body to manage stress, illness, and pain effectively. Learn techniques like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and body scanning to focus on the present moment, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
Explore Mental Health with UBC’s Thrive 5+
UBC’s Thrive initiative offers simple, research-backed strategies to support your mental health through the Thrive 5: Move More, Sleep Soundly, Eat Well, Give Back, and Say Hi. These easy-to-implement habits promote resilience, connection, and a sense of wellbeing.
BounceBack BC Emotional Support Program
BounceBack® is a free program designed to help adults and youth aged 13 and up manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry. Delivered online or by phone with a coach, it provides tools to support your journey to mental wellness.
Help Starts Here - mental Health Support in BC
HelpStartsHere is a resource platform for residents of British Columbia, offering support for mental health, substance use, and general wellbeing. It provides access to information, crisis hotlines, addiction recovery tools, low-cost counseling options, and guidance for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Diabetes Support and Events Groups
Join a free event or support group provided by Diabetes Canada to connect with others facing similar challenges; share experiences, gain encouragement, and access resources that can help you navigate your diabetes journey..
Inspire Health Support Group for Exercise
Inspire Health offers free personalized and group support in various areas, including stress and mental health counseling, managing treatment side effects, nutritional guidance, exercise therapy to enhance recovery, sleep and energy improvement, and balancing work, life, and relationships. As a non-profit organization, we provide free programs and services both online and at our centers located in Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna.
Remission Possible Success Stories
Explore the inspiring stories of individuals who have achieved type 2 diabetes remission by changing what they eat. They share their challenges and successes and offer hope, motivation, and practical tips to others who have type 2 diabetes.
Your Exercise Plan to get you Started
Regular exercise plays a key role in diabetes management. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, per week, along with strength training exercises twice a week. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar levels, and supports overall cardiovascular health. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, finding enjoyable activities to ensure consistency.
ParticipACTION Physical Activity Program
Like many activities, physical exercise is more enjoyable with others. If you want to foster a sense of community through movement at your workplace, organization, or other groups, here are some programs to help you get started.
Diabetes Canada - Virtual and In-person Activity Events
Diabetes Canada organizes engaging and community-focused events like Lace Up for Diabetes and Glow Blue. These events promote awareness, healthy living, and fundraising for diabetes research and support. Lace Up for Diabetes encourages participants to stay active through walking or running challenges, while Glow Blue events celebrate World Diabetes Day with illuminating activities and education. These initiatives aim to inspire healthier lifestyles and foster community spirit in the fight against diabetes.
Our Directory of Diabetes programs in British Columbia and Canada
Not finding what you're looking for? Search our directory of services located in your area that focus on Type 2 diabetes.
My Heart Matters - Caregiver Support
The My Heart Matters website offers valuable resources for caregivers supporting individuals with type 2 diabetes. It highlights the importance of understanding diabetes as a chronic condition and its connection to heart disease, which significantly affects those with diabetes.
Diabetes Care Giving for an Older Adult
HealthLink BC covers common challenges faced by caregivers, such as handling fluctuating blood sugar levels and managing the emotional and physical demands of caregiving. It encourages open communication with healthcare providers and emphasizes the importance of support networks to help caregivers.
Caring For Seniors with Diabetes
ComForCare offers specialized diabetes care for seniors, including medication management, meal planning, and exercise routines. Caregivers help monitor blood sugar levels, coordinate doctor appointments, and ensure medication adherence.
Healthy Eating Resources
Start with Meal Planning for your Diabetes
This meal plan offers seven days of meals and snacks, along with a tip sheet to customize it to your preferences. Use this plan to help prevent or manage Type 2 diabetes.
Carbs, Fiber, and Sugar - What You Should Know
Learn how to manage diabetes by understanding the role of carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, and the glycemic index in your diet. Explore carb counting, the benefits of fiber, and how to choose low-glycemic foods to help control your blood sugar levels.
Connect with a Dietitian via Dietitians of Canada
Finding reliable food and nutrition advice can be challenging. Dietitians have the expertise and knowledge to guide you in making informed decisions about your diet and nutrition. Some services may require a fee.
Connect with a Dietitian via Dietitians of British Columbia
After a diabetes diagnosis, it can be overwhelming to navigate what changes to make in your diet and lifestyle. BC Dietitians can help you understand your diagnosis, create a personalized nutrition plan, and support you in managing your blood sugar while still enjoying your favorite foods. Whether you have prediabetes, Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes, our dietitians provide expert guidance to help you take control of your health and prevent complications. Book a Diabetes Dietitian today to start your journey toward better management and well-being. Some services may require a fee.
Reading Food Labels - American Diabetes Assoc.
Understanding food labels can be tricky, especially when you're trying to make healthier choices or count carbs for meal planning. Claims like "fat-free" or "low-cholesterol" can be confusing, but learning how to read labels properly can help you navigate these terms and make informed decisions for better health management.
Reading Food Labels - HealthLink BC
When choosing packaged food, check the Nutrition Facts label and ingredient list to understand the nutrient content. The "% Daily Value" helps you gauge the amount of specific nutrients, with foods considered low in a nutrient if they have 5% or less, and high if they contain 15% or more. Be cautious of health claims on labels, as they don’t always reflect the overall healthiness of a product—some items may boast health benefits but still contain unhealthy amounts of sugar or other ingredients.
Intermittent Fasting for Type 2 Diabetes
Intermittent fasting, which involves eating within specific time windows, may help with type 2 diabetes remission by promoting weight loss and lowering blood sugar levels in the short term, but more research is needed for long-term benefits; however, it’s crucial for individuals, especially those on diabetes medication, to consult their healthcare team before trying it.
Religious Fasting and Type 2 Diabetes
Fasting is an important religious practice, but for people with diabetes, it can pose health risks. While fasting may be possible in some cases, it's essential to consult with a doctor or healthcare team to ensure safe fasting, especially during periods like Ramadan.
Diabetic Snacks - Healthy Swaps
Diabetes UK offers tips on healthier snack choices for people with diabetes, focusing on portion control and options that help manage the condition and support weight management. It includes snack suggestions with less than 10g of carbs, as well as options with 50, 100, and 150 calories to suit various needs.
Fad Diets and Your Diabetes Health
Fad diets often promote rapid weight loss, eliminate food groups, or restrict certain foods without medical justification, and while some may have short-term benefits, they often lack long-term sustainability and can lead to nutrient imbalances or health risks.
Diabetes-friendly Meals on a Budget
A balanced diet plays a crucial role in diabetes care, helping prevent complications like heart, kidney, and nerve issues. However, the rising cost of food can make maintaining a healthy diet challenging. This guide offers practical tips to eat nutritiously without straining your budget.
Meals on a Budget - Diabetes Canada
With rising food costs, it’s more important than ever to learn how to eat healthily without overspending. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of your grocery budget while managing diabetes.
Healthy Recipes from the Canadian Food Guide
Managing type 2 diabetes effectively starts with dietary changes. Focus on a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Monitoring carbohydrate intake is crucial, as carbs have the most significant impact on blood sugar levels. Portion control and meal planning can also help manage calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight.
Healthy Recipes from the Canadian Dietitians Society
You can prevent and effectively manage diabetes with healthy food choices and the support of the Dietitians of Canada.
Healthy Recipes from the BC Dietitians Association
Join the British Columbia Dietitians in preventing diabetes via healthy eating. Here they present tasty and healthy recipes to help you better manage your health.
Diabetes Recipes for Diverse Cultures
Do you love South Asian, Chinese, Caribbean, or Latin American cuisine? Incorporate these healthier takes on traditional recipes into your diabetes prevention or management plan. Each recipe booklet provides nutrient analysis and diabetes-friendly eating tips. These four culturally-tailored booklets were created through a collaboration between EatRight Ontario and George Brown College.
The Glycemic Index Food Guide
The glycemic index (GI) ranks carbohydrate-containing foods and drinks based on how much they raise blood sugar levels after consumption. Foods with a high GI cause a quicker and higher spike in blood sugar compared to those with a low GI.
Glycemic Index versus Glycemic Load
Harvard Health explains the concepts of glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL), which are measurements used to assess how foods affect blood sugar levels. GI ranks foods based on how quickly they raise blood sugar, while GL accounts for both the quality and quantity of carbohydrates in food.
Diabetes Canada Cooking and Nutrition Video Series
Diabetes Canada offers a valuable Cooking and Nutrition video series designed to help individuals with diabetes manage their condition through healthier eating habits. The series features expert-led cooking demonstrations, providing nutritious, diabetes-friendly recipes and meal planning tips. By focusing on balanced meals, carbohydrate counting, and healthy food choices, the videos equip viewers with practical knowledge to improve their diet and overall health. This initiative supports the goal of empowering individuals with diabetes to take control of their nutrition while maintaining variety and enjoyment in their meals.
Fraser Health Diabetic Diet Resources for Patients
Fraser Health offers a range of diabetic diet resources to support patients in managing their condition effectively. These resources are available through their Patient Education Portal and include education on healthy eating, blood glucose management, weight control, and lifestyle adjustments. They provide practical tools for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, emphasizing balanced diets and glucose monitoring. Additionally, Fraser Health offers access to personalized consultations, workshops, and various support services, including resources in multiple languages like Punjabi, Chinese, and Farsi
Helping Patients Self-Manage their Medication
The Cost of Diabetes to Patients
Since 2003, Diabetes Canada has tracked the out-of-pocket costs associated with managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes to highlight the financial burden on individuals. The 2022 report reveals that costs for diabetes medications, devices, and supplies can be as high as $10,014 annually for Type 2 diabetes, with significant variation across provinces.
Are Type 2 Diabetes Supplies Covered in BC
In British Columbia, many diabetes-related supplies for Type 2 diabetes management, such as glucose testing strips, insulin, and certain medications, are covered under the BC PharmaCare program, particularly through the Fair PharmaCare plan. Coverage levels depend on your income and specific healthcare needs, ensuring that eligible residents have access to essential diabetes care resources.
Compare Type 2 Diabetes Drugs
CompareDiabetesDrugs.com is a comprehensive resource for evaluating and comparing medications used to manage type 2 diabetes. It provides detailed analyses of 24 drug classes, focusing on their impact on HbA1c levels, weight, and hypoglycemia risk. The platform includes an interactive graph and clinical trial simulator to explore treatment options and combinations.
Diabetes Medication Table
The Complete Diabetes Medications Table on the Diabetes Educators Calgary website provides a comprehensive overview of medications used in diabetes management. It includes different classes of medications, their uses, and how they work to control blood glucose levels.
Do You Need to Talk to a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists play a crucial role in your healthcare team, providing services such as treatment for minor ailments and free contraceptives. Since June 2023, over 409,000 people have benefited from these services—book an appointment or visit a pharmacy to learn more.
Medication Self-management Info Sheets
Medication information sheets have been developed by Diabetes Canada to give detailed insights into the various diabetes medications that patients might be prescribed. These sheets are categorized according to the different types of medications.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
The Continuous Glucose Monitoring Advocacy Package from Diabetes Canada provides essential information for advocating the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in diabetes management. This resource includes valuable tools and guidelines designed to help individuals and healthcare professionals understand the benefits of CGMs, how to navigate the advocacy process, and ways to support better access to this technology.
Diabetes and Air Travel - Simple Tips
The Air Travel and Diabetes Rights page from Diabetes Canada outlines essential guidelines for individuals with diabetes when traveling by air. It provides practical advice on managing diabetes during flights, including how to carry necessary medical supplies, address potential security concerns, and ensure proper care during air travel.
Lows and Highs of Blood Sugar Levels
This information sheet provided by Diabetes Canada explains the causes of low blood sugar and how to manage it. Use this step-by-step approach to better manage your blood glucose levels.
Medication Adjustments for Low Carb Diet
When following a low-carb diet in type 2 diabetes, medication adjustments may be necessary to prevent low blood sugar levels. Diabetes Educators of Calgary provide you with information to better manage your diet and medications.
Diabetes and Hormonal Change in Menopause
The menopause can make managing diabetes more difficult due to hormonal changes that affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of insulin resistance. It's important to check blood sugar more frequently, adjust treatments, and consider lifestyle changes like staying active and eating well to help manage both menopause symptoms and diabetes.
Diabetes Risk and Your Waist Measurement
Waist size is important because excess fat around the middle can lead to insulin resistance, which increases the risk of high blood glucose and type 2 diabetes. Even if your BMI is healthy, a large waist measurement can still put you at risk. A healthy waist size is under 80 cm (31.5 inches) for women and under 94 cm (37 inches) for most men. Reducing waist size involves eating well and staying active, with achievable goals and small lifestyle changes. Support from healthcare professionals and loved ones can help you stay on track.
"Skinny" Type 2 Diabetes - Are Thin People at Risk?
Type 2 diabetes can affect individuals of healthy weight due to factors like insulin resistance, visceral fat accumulation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and genetic predispositions.
The Science Behind Normal-Weight Type 2 Diabetes
This article reviews the rise of T2D in non-obese individuals, especially among ethnic minorities and in developing countries, calls for further research into the mechanisms behind T2D in those without obesity and the need for effective prevention and personalized treatment to reduce the global diabetes burden.
Are you Thinking of Starting Insulin
Insulin, a hormone crucial for regulating blood sugar, is essential in some cases to manage diabetes and preventing serious complications like heart disease and nerve damage.
Getting Started with Insulin
A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide provides a simple step-by-step overview of how to get started with insulin, including how to use your insulin pen and give yourself an injeciton.
FIT Tools - Insulin Injection
The Forum for Injection Technique (FIT) Tools is a new series of educational tools based on FIT Canada’s Recommendations for Best Practice in Injection Technique. These tools have been written and reviewed by FIT members and can be downloaded for use in your practice.
FIT Recommendations
The Forum for Injection Technique (FIT) was developed to establish and promote best practice in injection technique for all involved in diabetes care.
Complementary and Alternate Medicines
Many individuals with diabetes use complementary or alternative medicine alongside or instead of conventional treatments, but it's crucial to inform your healthcare providers, as these therapies may be unproven or potentially harmful. Read more here from Diabetes Canada.
CBD and Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) discusses CBD (cannabidiol) in relation to diabetes, highlighting that while CBD is popular for its potential health benefits, there is insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness in managing diabetes.
Staying on Track with Day-to-Day Factors
Mayo Clinic offers help in understanding the various factors that can cause fluctuations in blood sugar, sometimes rapidly. Understanding these factors and learning how to manage them effectively is key to maintaining stable blood sugar levels and overall health.
Insulin Delivery Systems and Devices
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Dexcom
Dexcom Canada provides patient support services for their Dexcom G7, G6, and Clarity users, including user guides and training videos, as well as training sessions provided via video call.
Flash Glucose monitor - FreeStyle Libre Abbott
Abbott Canada, the provider of FreeStyle Libre devices offer free training videos and user guides on their devices as well as MyFreeStyle program that you can sign up for additional support
Insulin Pumps - OmniPod Insulet Canada
Insulet Canada, provider of Omnnipod insulin pumps hosts a catelogue of patient training resources on their website, including pre-pump preparation, post pod initiation, and patient and caregiver guides.
Insulin Pumps - MiniMed Medtronic Canada
Medtronic Canada providers comprehensive customer support for their diabetes management devices, including all models of their MiniMed insulin pumps.
Insulin Pump - YpsoPump YpsoMEd
YpsoPump insulin pump provides an intuitive easy-to-learn pump system that connects directly with the YpsoPump App and Cloud Based digital management system
