Community Articles
General News · 18th February 2024
Mercedes Grant
Navigating Diabetes
We’re living in an era where access to medications and therapies to manage chronic conditions - like diabetes, is growing, while simultaneously the number of folks being diagnosed with this disease continues to trend upwards. There are many possibilities for why this is the case, including genetic and environmental factors, as well as diet and lifestyle, depending on what type of diabetes a person may have.
Diabetes is a chronic condition resulting in the body's inability to produce insulin, or when it cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and its role is to regulate the amount of glucose - sugar - in the blood. If insulin production is compromised, the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels, and with it comes the potential to cause damage to blood vessels, nerves and organs. High blood sugar levels can lead to serious health complications, particularly if left untreated, including kidney disease, eye disease, nerve, leg and foot problems and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
It’s important to know the varying types of diabetes, as their respective treatments may be very different. The likelihood of knowing someone who has diabetes is pretty high, so if you don’t personally have it, this is still valuable knowledge to gain, to be able to better support your community members, neighbours and loved ones. Living on a remote island encourages folks to develop skills in community care, as we may not always be able to easily access institutional medical care and therapies.
Type 1 >>>
A less common condition than Type 2, it is considered an autoimmune disease. The body cannot produce insulin and is dependent on an external source, either through regular injection or pumps.
Type 2 >>>
This type affects roughly 90% of people diagnosed with diabetes. Type 2 may be managed with diet and exercise, and/or may also need external insulin.
Gestational >>>
A temporary condition that may develop during pregnancy. While it may not last beyond childbirth, both parent and child may be at higher risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Prediabetes >>>
A condition where blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, but not quite high enough to be considered Type 2. This requires consistent management through diet, medication and therapies to keep blood sugar low, as risk of conditions like heart disease may begin during this time.
Below are a list of resources for better understanding diabetes, as well as key management tools and therapies.
Meal Planning - an excellent resource for weekly meal plans with a variety of dietary options including vegan and gluten-free here:https://www.diabetes.ca/nutrition-fitness/meal-planning
Exercise & Movement - outlines the benefits and risks of certain types of exercise and movement here: https://www.diabetes.ca/nutrition-fitness/exercise-activity
Managing with Medication - understand what pharmaceutical choices are available, including insulin delivery and device options here: https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/medication-management
Cannabis, CBD & Diabetes - with the prevalence of folks with diabetes using cannabis and CBD to alleviate symptoms, it’s important to know what the research says, and whether it’s harmful or helpful. We recommend checking in with a trusted and hip to cannabis, medical professional prior to use.
Read: Type 2 Diabetes & CBD Use - Benefits and Risks: https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/cbd-type-2-diabetes-what-are-benefits-risks/
Read: Cannabis Use in Adults and Adolescents with Diabetes
https://www.diabetes.ca/advocacy---policies/our-policy-positions/cannabis-use-in-adults-and-adolescents-with-diabetes
Diabetes Canada Virtual Video Series: Diabetes Deep Dives
Episode 1: Diabetes and Menopause with Dr. Alice Cheng: https://youtu.be/fWkGu-ImriA
Dr. Alice Cheng explores the connection between Type 1 diabetes, menopause, and sexual health, including the influence of hormones on blood sugar levels, strategies for managing fluctuations, and options for symptom management. She also addresses additional health considerations during and after menopause, the impact of diabetes on sexual health, and available treatments for related issues.
Episode 2: Diabetes Research: https://youtu.be/TmJA_s_H9TU
In this episode, Dr. Brandy Wicklow discusses diabetes research models, how individuals with diabetes can participate, and expectations as a research study participant. After watching, you will be able to identify research models, access resources for diabetes research, understand participation expectations and rights, and make informed decisions about getting involved in diabetes research.
Episode 3: Carb Counting - Tips & Tricks: https://youtu.be/TmJA_s_H9TU
On this episode of Diabetes Deep Dives, our guest speaker Gabrielle Schmid, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator who lives with Type 1 herself, will offer her practical advice on navigating counting carbs when enjoying your meals with different ingredients all mixed together.
Episode 4: DIY Automated Insulin Delivery: https://youtu.be/Umn_lAw7td8
In this episode, Dr. Ilana Halperin explains AID, its devices, and the concept of do-it-yourself AID. She also discusses highlights from an upcoming Diabetes Canada position statement on DIY AID, along with the associated research. After watching the video, viewers will understand the difference between commercial and DIY AID systems, the benefits and risks, and know where to find additional information on the topic.
Episode 5: Exercise, Sport and Diabetes: https://youtu.be/HKNK90w3ZIU
In this episode, Chris Jarvis, a Former Canadian Olympian, discusses his journey in creating a practical guide to effectively manage diabetes during sports challenges. The episode covers various exercise types, their physiological effects, the advantages of exercise, diabetes management hurdles during training/competition, technological aids for exercise-related diabetes care, and how sports training can foster resilience against diabetes stigma.
Episode 6: Managing Diabetes in a School Setting: https://youtu.be/in5r71_cpzc
In this episode, two parents share their experience supporting their children after a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, offering a poignant glimpse into their journey. They discuss their child's diagnosis and the lessons they learned while helping them navigate school. By watching, you'll gain insight into the challenges families face and how collaboration with schools is crucial in supporting children with diabetes.
Episode 7: Unpacking Caregiving: https://youtu.be/6wrx1vKjXWA
In this episode, Pina Barbieri, social worker and a mother of a young adult who lives with Type 1 diabetes will share with us her experiences raising her daughter, unpack and what it means to be a caregiver, and reframe the concept of “caregiver burnout”. She will also provide tips and strategies to thrive in the face of supporting loved ones with diabetes, using both her personal and professional perspectives. This video is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Sanofi.
Episode 8: Time To Talk Time In Range: https://youtu.be/GQsM-ISd4Vo
In this episode, we will hear from Michelle Chrisp, a registered nurse and community-based Certified Diabetes Educator in Winnipeg, Manitoba with 20 years of experience. Michelle will explain what time in range is and what it means, what the recommended goals for using time in range are, and why time in range is useful and who would benefit from using it. She’ll also walk us through some strategies to work towards achieving the recommended goals for time in range
Episode 9: What To Expect When Expecting: https://youtu.be/pJWFNdsIukU
In this episode, we will hear from Kimberley Hanson, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1997. Kim will walk us through her experience of managing her diabetes while pregnant. She will share was she learned about getting prepared, navigating her healthcare team and medication needs during pregnancy, and what to expect in the post-partum period. She will share practical tips and resources for people who live with diabetes and are considering having a baby.
Diabetes Tool Kits for Active Living
Self Management BC has created a free health program for folks managing diabetes. There are two programs available:
Tool Kit for Active Living - for the independent, self-starter for self-paced learning. This kits contains a “Living a Healthy Life” book, an exercise CD, a self-test and accompanying booklet + tip sheets on important self management tools
Tool Kit for Active Living + Calls - receive the above tool kit + participate in 6 weekly calls with a group either virtually or by phone. Calls are 30-45 minutes, once/week for 6 weeks. Learn tools, tips and strategies with others and gain greater confidence in the ability to manage and improve quality of life.
To request a kit, please contact Self Management BC >>>
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-902-3767
Email: selfmgmtuvic.ca
Website: www.selfmanagementbc.ca
Program available in Chinese or Punjabi, please contact the Program Coordinator directly: Chinese: Courtney Kang - ckanguvic.ca Punjabi: Jay Bains - jaybainsuvic.ca
Better At Home
If arthritis prevents you from doing certain chores in or around your home, you can sign up for the Better at Home Program and we can offer you some help. It is free for low income seniors, and market rate for seniors with an income above the BC average. You can read more about it here: https://www.cortesisland.com/tideline/show15772a46s0x50y1z/Better_at_Home_Update__August_2023
We’re living in an era where access to medications and therapies to manage chronic conditions - like diabetes, is growing, while simultaneously the number of folks being diagnosed with this disease continues to trend upwards. There are many possibilities for why this is the case, including genetic and environmental factors, as well as diet and lifestyle, depending on what type of diabetes a person may have.
Diabetes is a chronic condition resulting in the body's inability to produce insulin, or when it cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and its role is to regulate the amount of glucose - sugar - in the blood. If insulin production is compromised, the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels, and with it comes the potential to cause damage to blood vessels, nerves and organs. High blood sugar levels can lead to serious health complications, particularly if left untreated, including kidney disease, eye disease, nerve, leg and foot problems and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
It’s important to know the varying types of diabetes, as their respective treatments may be very different. The likelihood of knowing someone who has diabetes is pretty high, so if you don’t personally have it, this is still valuable knowledge to gain, to be able to better support your community members, neighbours and loved ones. Living on a remote island encourages folks to develop skills in community care, as we may not always be able to easily access institutional medical care and therapies.
Type 1 >>>
A less common condition than Type 2, it is considered an autoimmune disease. The body cannot produce insulin and is dependent on an external source, either through regular injection or pumps.
Type 2 >>>
This type affects roughly 90% of people diagnosed with diabetes. Type 2 may be managed with diet and exercise, and/or may also need external insulin.
Gestational >>>
A temporary condition that may develop during pregnancy. While it may not last beyond childbirth, both parent and child may be at higher risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Prediabetes >>>
A condition where blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, but not quite high enough to be considered Type 2. This requires consistent management through diet, medication and therapies to keep blood sugar low, as risk of conditions like heart disease may begin during this time.
Below are a list of resources for better understanding diabetes, as well as key management tools and therapies.
Meal Planning - an excellent resource for weekly meal plans with a variety of dietary options including vegan and gluten-free here:https://www.diabetes.ca/nutrition-fitness/meal-planning
Exercise & Movement - outlines the benefits and risks of certain types of exercise and movement here: https://www.diabetes.ca/nutrition-fitness/exercise-activity
Managing with Medication - understand what pharmaceutical choices are available, including insulin delivery and device options here: https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/medication-management
Cannabis, CBD & Diabetes - with the prevalence of folks with diabetes using cannabis and CBD to alleviate symptoms, it’s important to know what the research says, and whether it’s harmful or helpful. We recommend checking in with a trusted and hip to cannabis, medical professional prior to use.
Read: Type 2 Diabetes & CBD Use - Benefits and Risks: https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/cbd-type-2-diabetes-what-are-benefits-risks/
Read: Cannabis Use in Adults and Adolescents with Diabetes
https://www.diabetes.ca/advocacy---policies/our-policy-positions/cannabis-use-in-adults-and-adolescents-with-diabetes
Diabetes Canada Virtual Video Series: Diabetes Deep Dives
Episode 1: Diabetes and Menopause with Dr. Alice Cheng: https://youtu.be/fWkGu-ImriA
Dr. Alice Cheng explores the connection between Type 1 diabetes, menopause, and sexual health, including the influence of hormones on blood sugar levels, strategies for managing fluctuations, and options for symptom management. She also addresses additional health considerations during and after menopause, the impact of diabetes on sexual health, and available treatments for related issues.
Episode 2: Diabetes Research: https://youtu.be/TmJA_s_H9TU
In this episode, Dr. Brandy Wicklow discusses diabetes research models, how individuals with diabetes can participate, and expectations as a research study participant. After watching, you will be able to identify research models, access resources for diabetes research, understand participation expectations and rights, and make informed decisions about getting involved in diabetes research.
Episode 3: Carb Counting - Tips & Tricks: https://youtu.be/TmJA_s_H9TU
On this episode of Diabetes Deep Dives, our guest speaker Gabrielle Schmid, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator who lives with Type 1 herself, will offer her practical advice on navigating counting carbs when enjoying your meals with different ingredients all mixed together.
Episode 4: DIY Automated Insulin Delivery: https://youtu.be/Umn_lAw7td8
In this episode, Dr. Ilana Halperin explains AID, its devices, and the concept of do-it-yourself AID. She also discusses highlights from an upcoming Diabetes Canada position statement on DIY AID, along with the associated research. After watching the video, viewers will understand the difference between commercial and DIY AID systems, the benefits and risks, and know where to find additional information on the topic.
Episode 5: Exercise, Sport and Diabetes: https://youtu.be/HKNK90w3ZIU
In this episode, Chris Jarvis, a Former Canadian Olympian, discusses his journey in creating a practical guide to effectively manage diabetes during sports challenges. The episode covers various exercise types, their physiological effects, the advantages of exercise, diabetes management hurdles during training/competition, technological aids for exercise-related diabetes care, and how sports training can foster resilience against diabetes stigma.
Episode 6: Managing Diabetes in a School Setting: https://youtu.be/in5r71_cpzc
In this episode, two parents share their experience supporting their children after a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, offering a poignant glimpse into their journey. They discuss their child's diagnosis and the lessons they learned while helping them navigate school. By watching, you'll gain insight into the challenges families face and how collaboration with schools is crucial in supporting children with diabetes.
Episode 7: Unpacking Caregiving: https://youtu.be/6wrx1vKjXWA
In this episode, Pina Barbieri, social worker and a mother of a young adult who lives with Type 1 diabetes will share with us her experiences raising her daughter, unpack and what it means to be a caregiver, and reframe the concept of “caregiver burnout”. She will also provide tips and strategies to thrive in the face of supporting loved ones with diabetes, using both her personal and professional perspectives. This video is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Sanofi.
Episode 8: Time To Talk Time In Range: https://youtu.be/GQsM-ISd4Vo
In this episode, we will hear from Michelle Chrisp, a registered nurse and community-based Certified Diabetes Educator in Winnipeg, Manitoba with 20 years of experience. Michelle will explain what time in range is and what it means, what the recommended goals for using time in range are, and why time in range is useful and who would benefit from using it. She’ll also walk us through some strategies to work towards achieving the recommended goals for time in range
Episode 9: What To Expect When Expecting: https://youtu.be/pJWFNdsIukU
In this episode, we will hear from Kimberley Hanson, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1997. Kim will walk us through her experience of managing her diabetes while pregnant. She will share was she learned about getting prepared, navigating her healthcare team and medication needs during pregnancy, and what to expect in the post-partum period. She will share practical tips and resources for people who live with diabetes and are considering having a baby.
Diabetes Tool Kits for Active Living
Self Management BC has created a free health program for folks managing diabetes. There are two programs available:
Tool Kit for Active Living - for the independent, self-starter for self-paced learning. This kits contains a “Living a Healthy Life” book, an exercise CD, a self-test and accompanying booklet + tip sheets on important self management tools
Tool Kit for Active Living + Calls - receive the above tool kit + participate in 6 weekly calls with a group either virtually or by phone. Calls are 30-45 minutes, once/week for 6 weeks. Learn tools, tips and strategies with others and gain greater confidence in the ability to manage and improve quality of life.
To request a kit, please contact Self Management BC >>>
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-902-3767
Email: selfmgmtuvic.ca
Website: www.selfmanagementbc.ca
Program available in Chinese or Punjabi, please contact the Program Coordinator directly: Chinese: Courtney Kang - ckanguvic.ca Punjabi: Jay Bains - jaybainsuvic.ca
Better At Home
If arthritis prevents you from doing certain chores in or around your home, you can sign up for the Better at Home Program and we can offer you some help. It is free for low income seniors, and market rate for seniors with an income above the BC average. You can read more about it here: https://www.cortesisland.com/tideline/show15772a46s0x50y1z/Better_at_Home_Update__August_2023
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