Managing Diabetes

Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes must follow a sensible meal plan and take insulin injections to control their blood glucose level. Exercise may also help people with type 1 diabetes reduce their increased risk for heart attacks and stroke.

Many people with type 2 diabetes have been able to lower their blood glucose level into the normal range and control the disease by following a sensible meal plan, exercising regularly, and managing their weight. Sometimes oral hypoglycemic (blood glucose lowering) medications and even insulin may also be needed to help control their blood glucose level.

Learning you have diabetes can be frightening. If you have diabetes, this kit can help you learn more about how to control your blood glucose level and avoid the complications of diabetes. If you are a caregiver for someone with diabetes, the information in this kit may help you help a friend or a family member.

Diabetes is a chronic illness that requires continuing medical care and education. Your care should be provided by a physician-coordinated diabetes management team. Such teams may include physicians, nurses, dietitians, mental health professionals, and other healthcare professionals with expertise and a special interest in diabetes.

Please keep in mind that this kit and the Heart Institute Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre (HIPRC) Lifestyle Management and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Programs are intended as a supplement to, not a substitute for, participation in a diabetes management program or your physician’s advice. In particular, if you are taking insulin, we recommend you obtain additional assistance from your diabetes management team when implementing our exercise or nutrition recommendations. In this kit you will:

Step 1. Know how to control blood glucose

Step 2. Manage your lifestyle

Step 3. Prevent acute and chronic complications