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!
Aroga 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Healthy Eating Resources
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
