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 »
What are the symptoms?
You may be experiencing symptoms of type 2 diabetes, including tingling, numbness or pain in your hands or feet, frequent urination or unusual thirst. 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 have type 2 diabetes, you need to take action now. Rest assured – getting checked is easy – just follow these steps.
Step 1: Talk to a healthcare professional about your concerns
A healthcare professional, 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.
The Canadian Diabetes Association is partnering with Loblaw Companies Ltd. to provide diabetes risk assessments.
Find a participating pharmacy near you »
Step 2: Have your blood tested
You will need to have your blood tested to find out if you have diabetes.
Congratulations! You’ve taken the first steps to living a healthier life by getting checked for type 2 diabetes. Think of it as a new beginning to a better future.
Step 3: Knowledge is power!
Learning you have type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We can help you take charge of your health now with our interactive learning modules, and Diabetes & You is a great place to get started for helpful tips about living healthy 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. We recognize that not being diagnosed represents a significant health threat. Through Get Checked Now - a national public awareness campaign - we are taking action to help Canadians get diagnosed and take control of their diabetes.
There are many ways you can support people in their fight against diabetes.
© 2012 Copyright Canadian Diabetes Association