We're leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while working to find a cure
Are you at risk?
There are a number of factors that can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes »
Nearly 50% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes »
What is type 2 diabetes?
Your body needs insulin to convert what you eat into energy. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body cannot produce enough insulin or use the insulin it produces properly. If you have type 2 diabetes and haven’t been diagnosed, you may start to develop serious complications, such as heart attack or stroke, kidney problems or eye disease.
That’s why it’s so important to get checked!
Learn about other types of diabetes »
• Get the facts on diabetes
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Pre-diabetes
What are the symptoms?
You may be experiencing symptoms of type 2 diabetes, including frequent urination, weight change (gain or loss), extreme tiredness or lack of energy, blurred vision, frequent or recurring infections, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, or tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. These are sure signs that it’s time to get checked.
Find out about all the signs and symptoms of diabetes. If you don’t have any symptoms, but you’re 40 or older, you are still at risk for type 2 diabetes and should get checked.
Don’t panic... take control
If you think you may have diabetes, or risk factors for diabetes you need to take action now. Just follow these steps.
Step 1: Talk to a healthcare professional about your concerns
A healthcare provider, including your doctor, registered nurse, registered dietitian or pharmacist can review your risk factors and symptoms, and do a simple screening to determine if you need further tests. You can also complete the CANRISK assessment on your own to see if you are at risk.
Step 2: Have your blood tested
If you have discovered that you are at risk for diabetes, you will need to have your blood tested in a lab and the results reviewed by a healthcare provider to find out if you have diabetes.
Step 3: Knowledge is power!
Learning you have type 2 diabetes may be overwhelming, but you’re not alone; here you can read stories from Canadians who have diabetes. We can help you take charge of your health now with our interactive learning modules, and Diabetes & You is a great place to look for helpful information and tips as you learn about living well with diabetes.
We have two publications specifically designed to help you take control. Since 1977, Diabetes Dialogue magazine has helped people with diabetes live their lives to the fullest potential. Each month, Diabetes Current subscribers receive the latest news, a recipe and more in their inbox. You can also order additional resources. Don’t forget, your healthcare providers, family and friends are also vital sources of support and information.
Join us in the fight against diabetes
Today, millions of Canadians are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and they need your help. Not knowing if you have diabetes or not being diagnosed may represent a significant threat to your health. Through Get Checked Now - a national public awareness campaign - we are helping Canadians know what steps to take to take control of their health and diabetes.
There are many ways you can support people in their fight against diabetes.
© 2012 Copyright Canadian Diabetes Association