Everything you need to know about diabetes prevention and treatment

This story was originally titled "November is Diabetes Month" in the November 2008 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today  and never miss an issue!

Type 2 diabetes accounts for a whopping 90 per cent of the more than two million cases of diabetes in Canada. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), this disorder can sometimes be prevented – especially with these lifestyle changes:

• Get active. The PHAC recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate activity four days a week, and more if you do low intensity exercise (such as walking). But don’t stop there: more activity is better, so strive to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

• Eat well. Your nutritional needs will depend on several factors, including age, body size and activity level. However, everyone is advised to choose whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean sources of protein, such as beans and lentils.

• Lose excess weight. If you have a body mass index (BMI) above 27, you’re at an increased risk of many health problems, including type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a BMI between 20 and 25 is considered ideal for good health. Even moderate weight loss can help prevent diabetes.

• Reduce stress. This strategy has been shown to help those with diabetes control the illness. PHAC advises Canadians to stay positive to help prevent the condition. Exercise and proper nutrition make you feel good, which motivates you to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Canadian Diabetes Strategy was developed in 1999 by the government of Canada, with prevention being a key part of the initiative. Still, diabetes rates continue to rise, especially among youth.

Parents of teens with diabetes should be on the lookout for a potentially life-threatening condition called diabulimia, the result of intentionally taking too little insulin or skipping doses altogether to lose weight.

A study that followed 234 women with diabetes between the ages of 13 and 60 for 11 years found that diabulimic women were three times more likely to die than those who regulated their doses properly. Diabulimia can also lead to renal failure and blindness.

The researchers found that the disorder was more common among younger study participants. Warning signs include weight loss, nausea and excessive thirst.

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