Over 2 million Canadians have diabetes. This number is expected to increase dramatically as baby boomers hit their late 40's and 50's, the age when Type 2 diabetes tends to strike. The good news is there are things that can be done to help prevent diabetes. Knowing your risk factors is a good place to start.
 

Diabetes Risk Factors

The Canadian Diabetes Association identifies the following risk factors:

• Age 40 or over (you should be tested for diabetes once every three years). If you have other risk factors, you may need to be checked more frequently.
• Overweight/obese and you carry most of your weight around the middle.
• A member of a high-risk ethnic group (Aboriginal peoples, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian or African descent)
• A family history of diabetes.
• Have given birth to a baby that weighed over 4 kg (9 lb.) at birth, or have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
• High cholesterol or other high fats in the blood
• Higher than normal blood glucose levels (pre-diabetes)
• High blood pressure
• Health conditions associated with diabetes (polycystic ovarian disease, schizophrenia, vascular disease)

Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes

The signs and symptoms of diabetes include the following:

• Unusual thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
• Blurred vision
• Frequent or recurring infections
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet