Diabetes
5. Diabetes
Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases, including diabetes, were responsible for more than 10,000 deaths in Canada in 2004. The Canadian Diabetes Association estimates that 2 million Canadians have diabetes.
What is diabetes?
There are three types of diabetes: Type 1, generally diagnosed in children and adolescents, occurs when the pancreas can't produce insulin, a hormone that regulates your energy. With Type 2, which is usually diagnosed in adults, the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or the body doesn't use the insulin that is produced effectively. Type 3 is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy and is more commonly referred to as gestational diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes
Everyone aged 40 or older should be screened at least every three years for diabetes, particularly since many people with Type 2 diabetes may not display any symptoms. But if you experience any of the following, you should be tested:
- Abnormal degrees of thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unprovoked weight gain or loss
- Blurred vision
- Infections that are frequent or recurring
- Delayed healing time of cuts and bruises
- Numbness or tingling in hands and/or feet
- Erectile difficulties
Prevention
It is believed that you can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes with:
- A healthy diet
- Weight control
- Exercise
Early detection is key to successfully treating many diseases, including the ones listed above, so know your risk factors, pay attention to symptoms and visit your doctor regularly. Adopt healthy exercise and eating habits and you'll be giving your body the care it needs to stay well.
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