Main Content
Viewpoint
A spring in your step…
The harshness of winter has faded and spring is now in the air. Everything around us is once again growing. Let’s hope that we are not growing bigger than we should be. As you are well aware, diabetes and obesity are epidemics. The two are so closely linked that the term “diabesity” has been coined.
In this issue of Diabetes Dialogue there is a great article by Sudan Pedwell with practical advice on how we can band together to ban obesity. By decreasing obesity, we are both preventing diabetes for those at high risk but also improving blood glucose control in those people who already have diabetes. Even a mere five percent reduction of your total body weight can have a significant and highly favourable impact on your glycemic control, lipid profile and blood pressure. Improving all of these metabolic parameters can have a beneficial effect on your overall health by reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
The article by Elizabeth Garel provides valuable insight into the connections between diabetes and arthritis, which co-exist in many people.
Finally, as we are all enjoying longer and warmer days, now is a perfect time to take your exercise outdoors. Barb Gormley offers several different exercise options that one can enjoy this time of year. So get outside, take a deep breath, enjoy the fresh smell of flowers blooming and be active while marveling at the beauty of spring that surrounds you.
— Diane Donat MD MSc MEd FRCPS
Editor-in-Chief