Find answers to frequently asked questions about type 2 diabetes in this resource. Help prevent diabetes: eat a healthy diet and limit fat, salt and alcohol, control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and do not smoke.

Use this risk calculator to find out your risk for type 2 diabetes and see if you should be tested. Many people with diabetes have no symptoms. Speak to your doctor if you notice diabetes symptoms such as unusual thirst, the need to pee a lot, lack of energy, blurred vision, tingling or numbness in your hands or feet.

People at average risk for type 2 diabetes should be tested every 3 years after age 40. You may need to be tested more frequently if you are at higher risk. Find out your risk with the Canadian Diabetes Risk Assessment Questionnaire (link in this resource).

This patient decision aid helps People with prediabetes considering treatment to help prevent type 2 diabetes decide on whether to make a major lifestyle change or take the medicine metformin by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.

There is no strong evidence for specific blood glucose targets for managing Type 1 diabetes. Current target guidelines vary between an HbA1c of 6.5% and 6.7% and it is not clear how these guidelines were created. More research is needed on the effects of tight blood sugar control in older populations, and should consider how tight controls may affect patient quality of life.

Neuropathy is the medical term for nerve damage, a common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Controlling blood sugar, taking care of your feet and pain management are three treatment priorities.

People with diabetes have a higher risk of foot ulcers. Infected foot ulcers can lead to complications, including amputation. Pressure-relieving casts can help speed healing. More research is needed on the benefits of other treatments, like blood sugar control, different types of dressings and wound care.

Red meat and processed meat may increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. For a healthy diet, reduce your intake of red meat and avoid processed meat. This resource answers other questions about the report.

Little high quality information is available about whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women with type 1 diabetes affects management of blood sugar and menopause symptoms. This resource provides one woman's perspective on the issue.

People with diabetes need to monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar to make sure they do not raise above levels which are considered safe. A research study showed that there are some benefits to lowering these 'safe levels' even more but doing so could cause serious problems for patients.

Prevent type 2 diabetes: maintain a healthy weight, exercise, eat healthy and avoid smoking. Choose whole grain foods and 'good fats' from nuts, seeds and oils. Avoid sugary drinks and red or processed meats.

If you have diabetes and depression, managing one can positively impact the other. Manage both conditions together through diabetes self-management programs, psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes, and collaborative care.

Use this diagnostic tool to find out how well you (or a loved one) are living with diabetes.

There are three main types of fat: unsaturated, saturated and trans fat. Unsaturated fats can help improve cholesterol levels and lower inflammation and are found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds and fish. Trans fats are common in fast foods, and can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

This patient decision aid helps people with type 2 diabetes decide whether or not to start insulin. It also outlines alternative options such as doing nothing, following stricter diet and exercise programs and starting another type of injection or tablet.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain) range from numbness to severe pain. Some evidence suggests alternative treatments may help with pain such as exercise, capsaicin skin cream or dietary supplements such as alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

Talk to your doctor about diabetes medications. Consider your treatment goals, age, weight, health conditions and other medications when deciding if a drug is right for you.

Many studies have shown an association between foods with a high glycemic index and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease. Try to choose foods with medium or low glycemic index such as bran cereals, kidney beans, wheat tortillas, skim milk, peanuts and carrots. This resource provides other examples.

Dietary supplements are unlikely to help treat diabetes and some may be harmful. Chromium, ginseng and cinnamon are somewhat promising options but further study is needed. Discuss any medications or herbal supplements with your doctor before taking them.

Magnesium deficiency is linked to insulin resistance. This can lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Beans, seeds and bran are good food sources of magnesium. Choose more of these foods to help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Poor circulation, nerve damage, and skin dryness are common complications in diabetes patients. Quitting smoking, regular foot exams and wearing properly fitted shoes are all important ways to prevent complications.

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Control your weight, exercise regularly, quit smoking and abstain from alcohol to help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) include sweating, shaking, anxiety, and dizziness. You might also get a headache or feel tired. Hypoglycemia is most common among people with diabetes, however some medications can also affect blood sugar.

Women with diabetes have double the heart disease risk as men with the disease. Women with diabetes should take care to avoid heart health risks like obesity, high cholesterol and physical inactivity.

Get tested for diabetes if you are over 45 years old. People who are overweight, have high blood pressure, a family history of diabetes or other risk factors should get tested earlier. Early detection of diabetes may help you avoid using medication.

The ADIPOQ gene controls a hormone that helps with fat breakdown. People who carry a variant of this gene are at increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Choose a lower-fat diet with higher levels of unsaturated fats and get more physical activity to avoid weight gain.

Healthy (unsaturated) fats can improve your heart health and reduce your risk of diabetes. These fats can be found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. Omega-3 fats from fish can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease.

A recent study in children found lowering sugar intake also lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome - improving blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The authors suggest cutting down on sugar will also benefit adults.

Soft drinks may significantly increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. They may also affect your bone health.

People with Type 2 diabetes who do not take insulin can monitor their blood sugar levels at home. More research is needed to find out if self-monitoring of blood sugar helps prevent diabetes-related illnesses or hypoglycemia.

Eating fiber helps reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease and eases digestive issues, such as constipation. Increase your fiber intake by eating whole fruits, whole grains, beans and raw vegetables.

Some studies show that people who eat whole grains (which contain bran and fibre) may be less likely to develop type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Choose whole grains and be sure to check food labels at the grocery store because not all foods with a ‘whole grains’ label are healthy.

If you have heart disease or have had a stroke, strongly consider exercise as part of your treatment process. Evidence has shown exercise is just as effective as drug treatments for treating heart disease and prediabetes and more effective after a stroke.

If you have any of the components of metabolic syndrome (increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist, abnormal cholesterol levels), aggressive changes to your lifestyle may be required to either delay or prevent serious health problems.

Diabetes is a disease that causes sugar to collect in your blood. Know the symptoms and risk factors for diabetes. Treatment options include lifestyle change, medication and surgery, and depend on your age, physical condition, other diseases, lifestyle and personal goals. Discuss options with your doctor.

Reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes: exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight and limit the amount of salt and fat in your diet. Discuss any lifestyle changes, medications and alternative therapies with your doctor.

Learn about the ACCORD study’s findings. High-risk adults with type 2 diabetes may be able to slow diabetic retinopathy (vision loss) through intensive blood sugar control and combination lipid therapy. Talk to your doctor to develop a care plan tailored to you, and try to get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet.

After a diabetes diagnosis, diet changes can improve your health. Reduce carbohydrates, mix in whole grains, bake more and fry less, and limit sweets and fruit juices to prevent complications from diabetes. Watch this video to learn more about healthy changes you can make to your typical Caribbean diet.

After a diabetes diagnosis, diet changes can improve your health. Cut down on carbohydrates, fry less and bake more and limit sweets to prevent complications from diabetes. Watch this video to learn more about healthy changes you can make to your typical South Asian diet.

This patient decision aid helps insulin dependent patients decide on whether or not to get an insulin pump by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.

This patient decision aid helps physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners managing diabetes in adults decide the best treatment choice by outlining and comparing the medications commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes.

This patient decision aid helps people with type 2 diabetes decide on whether or not to take insulin by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.

Diabetes may put you at a higher risk for developing cavities and gum disease. Control your blood sugar levels and practice proper dental care to manage your risk.

If you have metabolic syndrome, you are at higher risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart attack and other heart problems. Reduce risks by staying at a healthy weight, eating healthy and exercising.

You can lower your risk for metabolic syndrome by staying at a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Other risks you can not change, such as genetics, race, and sex.

Lower your risk for diabetes by being at a healthy weight, exercising, and eating healthy food. You should also quit smoking, manage your stress, limit your alcohol, and get enough sleep.

People with diabetes are at higher risk for peripheral artery disease which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Help prevent peripheral artery disease: manage your blood glucose levels and exercise regularly.

Exercise regularly to prevent type 2 diabetes. Choose a diet rich in healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados and nuts. Limit processed meats, white bread, sugary drinks, and other refined carbohydrates.

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed based on your blood sugar, triglyceride, blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as your waist circumference. It more than doubles your risk of developing diabetes. The best treatment is lifestyle changes.

Diabetes increases your risk of diabetic eye disease and vision loss. The most common form of the disease is diabetic retinopathy, which often has no symptoms until you are in the advanced stages, but it is easy to treat if detected early. If you have diabetes, it is important to get an eye exam once a year, control your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and speak with an eye professional about diabetic retinopathy.

Be wary of illegal drugs that are being sold as drugs or supplements for diabetes. Discuss anything you might consider taking with your health care practitioner.