Endocrinology
OVERVIEW
Insulin is an important hormone in the body that is needed to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. Produced in the pancreas, insulin allows glucose to enter the cells in the body to be used as energy. For people living with Type 1 Diabetes, there is little to no insulin available to complete this process; glucose then builds up in the bloodstream instead of being used for energy, resulting in life-threatening conditions.
People living with T1D need to inject insulin into the body, and continuously monitor their blood sugar levels. Being an autoimmune disease, it is said that T1D is a result of the body attacking the insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas, halting insulin production – with its cause generally unknown.
With the right healthcare team and care that best suits your needs and lifestyle, you can still live a long and healthy life with T1D. Speak with your healthcare provider today about available medications, programs, and opportunities to best support your diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder where the pancreas does not produce any insulin, making the body unable to regulate blood sugar levels on its own. Currently, 10% of Canadians living with diabetes have T1D.
SOURCES
RELATED INFORMATION
Possible Signs & Symptoms
Blurred vision
Extreme hunger
Fatigue & weakness
Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Mood changes
Unexplained bed-wetting
Unintended weight loss
Note: Signs and symptoms for T1D can be sudden and show up without any warning. It is important to act quickly and see a health care provider if you or someone in your life is showing risk factors of developing T1D.
Causess & Risk Factors
The exact cause of T1D is unknown, with research being conducted to further explore how this autoimmune disease has developed, as well as exploring possible causes relating to:
Age
Environmental Factors
Family history
Genetics
Geography
Treatments, Management, & Support
Controller Medications
(to reduce inflammation in the airways)
i.e. Inhaled, oral and intravenous
corticosteroids
Reliever Medications
(to help relieve symptoms quickly)
i.e. Short & long-acting beta agonists
Vaccinations to avoid flare-ups from viruses
OVERVIEW
For people living with T2D, insulin in the body is either not being used properly or the body cannot produce enough insulin to manage blood sugar levels. Insulin is an important hormone in the body that is needed to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. Produced in the pancreas, insulin is needed to allow glucose to enter the cells in the body to be used as energy. When insulin is not readily available or isn’t being used properly, glucose in the blood begins to build up since it cannot be turned into energy. This excess glucose can eventually cause health problems and lead to serious complications.
If managed properly, people living with T2D can live a long and healthy life. Speak with your healthcare team about medications, programs and opportunities that could be beneficial to your diabetes care
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disease where the body cannot use insulin properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels. If left unmanaged, T2D can lead to serious health issues impacting other parts of the body including the eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and liver.-
RELATED INFORMATION
Possible Signs & Symptoms
Blurred vision
Dark rashes around neck & armpits (acanthosis nigricans)
Extreme hunger
Fatigue
Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Slow healing cuts & bruises
Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands & feet
Causes & Risk Factors
Age
Being overweight
Diagnosed with prediabetes
Family history
Fat distribution along the waistline
Gestational diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
High levels of fat in the blood (triglycerides)
Low good cholesterol levels
Low activity levels
PCOS
Poor lifestyle habits (smoking, little to no exercise, high stress, bad diet)
Note: Many of the risk factors listed above can be controlled, allowing people who are living with T2D to live long and healthy lives. It is important to work with your healthcare team to ensure that your blood sugar levels are kept in a good range, preventing any future complications
Treatment & Support
Reliever Medications
Eating a well-balanced diet
Engaging in regular physical activity
Monitoring blood sugar levels
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Taking diabetes medications (may include insulin) as prescribed by your healthcare team
Effective stress management