Diabetes
Last updated on November 29, 2017About Type 1 Diabetes
Excerpt from HealthLink BC:
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease that develops when the pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that lets sugar (glucose) move from the blood into the body's cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use. If sugar cannot move from the blood into the cells, the person's blood sugar rises above a safe level and the cells cannot function properly.
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About Type 2 Diabetes
Excerpt from HealthLink BC:
Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong disease that affects the way your body uses food for energy. The disease develops when the cells of the body become resistant to insulin and/or when the pancreas cannot make enough insulin, which causes high blood sugar.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your body's cells get needed energy from sugar. When insulin is not able to do its job, too much sugar builds up in your blood. Over time, this extra sugar in your blood can lead to problems with your eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys.
Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes. People who develop type 2 diabetes often are overweight and not physically active. It is most common in people who are older than 40 but is becoming more common in children. Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or at least delayed if a person maintains a healthy body weight and exercises regularly.
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Helpful Organizations and Information Resources
Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association's mission is to lead the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure.
The association: provides people with diabetes and healthcare professionals with education and services; advocates on behalf of people with diabetes; supports research; and translates research into practical applications.
To learn about diabetes education and other resources, visit:
Great resources on this page include:
For more information about ways you can prevent disease and injury or care for specific medical conditions, see: