Type 1 Diabetes   Our body needs insulin, a hormone produced by our pancreas used to our control blood sugar.   ○ Blood sugar, known as glucose, is made from foods we eat (bread, rice, pasta, milk, fruits and more).   ○ Blood sugar is a vital necessity because our body uses it for energy.   ○ When we have Type 1 diabetes, our pancreas fails to produce insulin and blood sugar becomes concentrated in our blood instead of being used for energy.   ○ Type 1 diabetes is not preventable, its cause is not known, and people are usually diagnosed before the age of thirty, often during childhood or adolescence.   ○ Eating too much sugar does not cause Type 1 diabetes.   ○ According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1.   ○ Exercise, healthy snacks and diet, and insulin therapy are used to treat Type 1 diabetes.   ○ Good news : If you are a Type 1 diabetic, you can live a long and healthy life by keeping your blood sugar levels in check and by being monitored by your health professional.   Diet and Exercise   ○ As a diabetic, it is important to monitor what you eat and drink, and the frequency of meals and snacks.   ○ Exercise is very important because it promotes excess fat loss and helps the body respond to insulin.   ○ Maintaining a normal weight for body size and activity level is also very helpful in managing diabetes.   ○ The Glycemic Index can be useful in deciding which foods to eat, especially, carbs. High GI value foods tend to raise blood sugar more quickly than Low GI value foods. ○ The actual GI value of the food, its preparation, the foods with which it is eaten are all factors to consider when choosing a GI based diet.   ○ The Canadian and American Diabetes Associations, for example, do not have enough evidence of its value to actually recommend it as a "cure-all" for diabetics.   ○ Blood sugar levels must be monitored, insulin injections or medication must be taken on a regular basis, and diabetics must work closely with their health care provider.

Type 2 Diabetes   ○ The role of glucose and insulin in Type 2 diabetes is the same as in Type 1. In the case of Type 2, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or does not effectively use the insulin that is produced.       ○ The cause of Type 2 diabetes is not really understood but it has strong genetic links. Risk factors include mid section body fat, excess weight, sibling or parent with diabetes, advanced age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood fat, gestational diabetes (temporary during pregnancy).   ○ Type 2 diabetes is generally diagnosed by medical doctors during adulthood but more and more children in the high risk group (Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian, African descent) are being diagnosed.   ○ Heart, kidney, eye disease, impotence and nerve damage are potential complications for those with untreated or improperly managed diabetes.   ○ According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2.   ○ Cells have a difficult time responding to insulin when there is excess fat on the body.   ○ Inactivity and living a sedentary life also make it difficult for the body to respond to insulin.   ○ Thirst, fatigue, and frequent bathroom trips are signs of diabetes, however not everyone experiences symptoms. Have your blood sugar checked by your doctor once a year.   ○ High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels may be experienced as a result of diabetes. These factors may also be risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes. Yearly blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar testing is recommended.   ○ Diet is very important. Low saturated fat, limited sugar, high fibre, plenty of water, and regular exercise are key to living a healthy life.   ○ If you are pre-diabetic, diabetic, or unsure, visit your health care provider on a regular basis.