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Just the Basics

This is a basic resource which was developed to give people who want to prevent the onset of diabetes or to manage diabetes the essential information that they need. This resource is available in English and French. Bulk printed copies are available through the Literature Order Desk.

Just the Basics original in English
Just the Basics original in French

Multi-cultural Adaptations

Healthy eating for diabetes does not mean giving up traditional foods. The Association has released tools for cultural groups that are at higher risk for diabetes to help them in diabetes prevention and self-management.  By following basic healthy eating guidelines and recommendations on physical activity, people with diabetes can still enjoy their favourite cultural foods, achieve target blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of complications.

South Asian

People of South Asian descent are one of the populations at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. To help health professionals to work with this population, a South Asian working group has developed resources that include background information, menu plans, a glossary of terms, FAQs, and the carbohydrate content of some common foods as well as the Just the Basics resource adapted and made available in Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil.

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Aboriginal

The traditional lifestyle of aboriginal people was active and included eating healthy foods. Today lifestyles have changed and this population is not as active and eats fewer foods from the land. This is one reason why people of Aboriginal descent have a much higher risk of type 2 diabetes than other Canadians*. To assist health professionals to work with this population, an Aboriginal working group has developed the Just the Basics resource in Ojibwe, Plains Cree, Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun to help Aboriginal people make healthy choices.

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Latin American

People of Latin American descent are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. To help health professionals to work with this population, a Working group comprised of healthcare professionals of Latin American backgrounds and/or who work closely with Latin communities across Canada, have adapted the Just The Basics resource to suit the needs of these communities.

Available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French the resource includes a customized vibrant balanced plate of food, tips on healthy eating, sample meal plans for big and small appetites and recommendations on physical activity. A variety of online supporting material is also available.

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