Protecting your family from diabetes – know the risks

By Dr. David Butler-Jones,
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in Canada and one of the biggest threats facing the health of our population.  The effects of the disease are serious, as it is the leading cause of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and leg amputations. Thankfully, the most common type of diabetes (type 2) is largely preventable once you are aware of the risk factors. 

Chances are you already know someone affected by diabetes. The disease affects over two million people in this country, and there are an additional five million who have what is called "pre-diabetes", a dangerous and often undetected condition that in half the cases will likely lead to full diabetes within 10 years.

Understanding Diabetes Diabetes interferes with the body's ability to produce or properly use insulin, which your body needs to use sugar as an energy source. This results in an excess of glucose, which can lead to disabling and sometimes fatal complications. There are 3 types of diabetes: Type 1- accounts for 10% of cases and occurs when specialized parts of the pancreas, known as islet cells, are destroyed and no longer produce insulin. Type 1 is often referred to as juvenile diabetes. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes Type 2 - represents 90% of cases and occurs when insulin continues to be produced but is not properly used in the body for various reasons Gestational – an uncommon and temporary form of the disease that affects about 4% of non-diabetic women during their pregnancy; blood sugar levels usually return to normal after delivery. Gestational diabetes increases the mother’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

In general, being overweight as a child, adolescent or adult, or not being active enough raises your risk of developing diabetes. Among overweight individuals, people who carry most of their excess weight around the middle of their bodies, as opposed to their hips and thighs, are at greater risk for the disease. 

In addition to our lifestyle choices and behaviours, genetics also play a role. Diabetes is more common in people of African, Hispanic and Asian ancestry. Aboriginal people are being diagnosed at levels three to five times the national average. Older people are also at increased risk – nearly one in five Canadians over 60 has diabetes.

By increasing our understanding of the disease and its root causes, we’re well on our way to preventing the disease and reversing these trends. If you have any of the risk factors I mention above, or if you have a family history of diabetes, talk to a health professional about screening. The odds of developing diabetes, like many diseases, can be dramatically reduced with some simple lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and diet and being physically active.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and many communities have education and awareness programs about diabetes that you can get involved in. For more information, contact your local volunteer network or branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

For more information on the disease or to find out if you are at risk, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website at: www.publichealth.gc.ca

Dr. David Butler-Jones is Canada's first Chief Public Health Officer. He heads the Public Health Agency of Canada which provides leadership on the government's efforts to protect and promote the health and safety of Canadians