According to the recent figures released by Diabetes Canada, the rate of diabetes and prediabetes patients in Canada continues to rise high. The President and CEO of Diabetes Canada recently reported that 11.7 Million Canadians are either Diabetic or Prediabetic (nearly 31% of the total population in Canada).
Diabetes & Prediabetes Continues to Commonize in Canadians More Than Ever Before.
| Prevalence – 2022 | Diabetes (type 1 + type 2 diagnosed + type 2 undiagnosed) | Diabetes (type 1 and type 2 diagnosed) | Diabetes (type 1 + type 2 diagnosed + type 2 undiagnosed) and prediabetes combined | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC | 825,000 / 16% | 577,000 / 11% | 1,636,000 / 31% | $565M |
| AB | 575,000 / 12% | 403,000 / 8% | 1,242,000 / 26% | $494M |
| SK | 161,000 / 13% | 113,000 / 9% | 334,000 / 26% | $111M |
| MB | 283,000 / 18% | 151,000 / 10% | 412,000 / 28% | $152M |
| ON | 2,346,000 / 15% | 1,643,000 / 10% | 4,713,000 / 30% | $1.7B |
| NL | 102,000 / 19% | 72,000 / 13% | 190,000 / 35% | $70M |
| PE | 25,000 / 15% | 17,000 / 11% | 50,000 / 31% | $19M |
| NS | 173,000 / 17% | 121,000 / 12% | 335,000 / 33% | $114M |
| NB | 152,000 / 19% | 106,000 / 14% | 274,000 / 35% | $110M |
| Canada | 5,719,000 / 14% | 4,003,000 / 10% | 11,704,000 / 30% |
Thus, it is vital to watch out for prediabetes symptoms, even if you are otherwise physically fit.
Read further to learn about prediabetes, its causes, symptoms, prevention measures and when to seek doctor advice.
The estimated read time of this Medical Resource by CMES is 5-7 Minutes.
What is Prediabetes?
As the word suggests, prediabetes is one step before one is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is diagnosed when the blood sugar levels are higher than usual. However, as the blood sugar levels are not overly abnormal in the case of prediabetes, it can be treated without any medical treatments. Yet, prediabetes is a serious health condition. If not detected and taken care of for a prolonged period, it puts you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sight loss, kidney failure and stroke.
Causes of Prediabetes
Your pancreas makes insulin in your body. Insulin is a hormone that helps your blood sugar cells use as energy. However, if you are prediabetic, the blood sugar cells in your body would not respond to insulin normally. Thus, to get a normal response, your pancreas makes more insulin. Eventually, your pancreas can’t keep up, and as a result, your blood sugar rises, setting the stage for prediabetes—and type 2 diabetes down the road.
Important
Not everyone diagnosed with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes. If detected and taken appropriate measures, one can avoid turning into a diabetic patient. Unfortunately, according to Diabetes Canada, many people diagnosed with prediabetes develops type 2 diabetes eventually in Canada. Thus, Diabetes Canada recommends everyone to look out for the following signs and symptoms of Prediabetes and seek medical advice when necessary.
Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes
Prediabetes is general among people, especially in Canada. As a result, it is often undetected until a serious health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, shows up. Thus, it is very to early identify the symptoms of Prediabetes, consult with your doctor and get appropriate to prevent it from growing. Look out for the following signs and symptoms for early detection of Prediabetes;
Signs;
- If your blood relatives, parents or siblings have type 2 diabetes, you may likely have Prediabetes.
- It is more common in older people than younger. So if you are 45+ years old, it is likely that your sugar level may be higher than average.
- Physically inactive for more than three days a week.
- Diabetes during pregnancy
Symptoms;
- Sudden weight gain/loss
- blurriness of sight
- Excessive thirst and urge to urinate often
- Headache
Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
If you are prediabetic, with some physical activities and modifications in your diet, you help prevent yourself from turning into a type 2 diabetic patient. For example,
- Losing a small amount of weight (if you are overweight)
- Adopting a healthy diet plan with more natural fruits and vegetables
- Adding physical activities to your daily routine
Get Tested
Firstly, get your blood sugar level checked. If you notice any signs of Prediabetes, speak to your doctor. The doctor will help you first physically examine the possibilities of diabetes in you, followed by blood test requisitions.
However, the good news is that during your SME – Student Medical Exam (EME or PME), the CMES registered doctor will examine your full body functionality through physical screening and urine tests. In addition, during the medical exam, you can consult possibilities of Prediabetes with your doctor. Our registered doctors examine complete body wellness and provide requisitions for blood tests and specialist referrals (if required).
Furthermore, the doctor’s report will also provide recommendations for health improvements and wellness (if needed). Thus, to stay healthy physically and mentally, book your SME today to detect growing viruses and diseases in your body.
Moreover, with Diabetes Canada’s Canadian Diabetes Prevention Program, you can access a personalized digital wellness program from health professionals to help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Lastly, the Canada Medical Exam Society urges everyone living in Canada to get regular health check-ups, examine their health functionality and take preventive measures immediately. Help us build a healthy and safe Canada!
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