World Diabetes Day

It’s another worldly day today – Happy World Diabetes Day! 

Diabetes is “a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced.” According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, there are “three main types of Diabetes.” 

• Type 1: also known as childhood or early onset diabetes, “occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin.” This is found in about 10% of those living with Diabetes. 
• Type 2: commonly known as adult onset diabetes, “occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin that is produced.” However, there does seem to be a recent trend, indicating that children are developing Type 2. 
• Type 3: is actually referred to as gestational diabetes and is “a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy.” This type of diabetes can increase the risk of developing diabetes for mother or child after birth. It typically occurs in about 2-4% of pregnancies. 

Treatment for diabetes is crucial! As the CDA states, “if left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety of complications.” These complications include heart, kidney and/or eye diseases and nerve damage. Not fun! So, get checked out by a doctor if you are concerned about whether or not you are at risk of having diabetes! And while you’re at it, why not vote on the Daily Poll?