About diabetes

Understanding diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which your body either can't produce insulin or can't properly use the insulin it produces. No matter which type you’re diagnosed with or where you are in your journey, living with diabetes isn't easy. We've compiled information to help you understand diabetes and learn how to manage it. Get started now.

Type 1 diabetes

Learn more about the signs and symptoms, treatment and complications associated with type 1 diabetes.
- Symptoms
  
  Recognize the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes before diagnosis.
- Treatment
  
  Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin and healthy behaviours.
- Complications
  
  If type 1 diabetes isn't well managed, it can lead to short-term and long-term health complications.
Type 2 diabetes

Ninety per cent of Canadians with diabetes are living with type 2 diabetes. Learn more about this disease and potential complications.
- Symptoms
  
  People with type 2 diabetes can have a variety of symptoms—some people might not have symptoms at all.
- Treatment
  
  Type 2 diabetes can be managed with healthy behaviours and medications.
- Complications
  
  If type 2 diabetes isn't well managed, it can lead to short-term and long-term health complications.
Prediabetes

There are millions of Canadians living with prediabetes. Prediabetes refers to blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes.
- Symptoms
  
  There are a variety of symptoms that could lead to a prediabetes diagnosis.
- Treatment
  
  Taking steps now to adopt healthy behaviours can make a huge difference and lead to a lower-risk future.
- Complications
  
  Prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes and related complications if it's not properly managed.
Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes even after you deliver your baby.
- Screening & diagnosis
  
  Learn more about the importance of early diagnosis and management.
- Gestational diabetes diet
  
  Learn how maintaining a healthy, balanced diet may help you manage your symptoms.
Medication management

Learn about the medications, devices and people that can help you manage your diabetes and live your best life!
- Technology & devices
  
  Devices such as glucose monitors and insulin pumps are very useful to the day-to-day management of diabetes for many Canadians.
- Your diabetes care team
  
  If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, learn about the steps you can take to create and work with your diabetes dream team.
- Getting started with insulin
  
  Insulin is a common medication for managing diabetes. If you are thinking of starting insulin, here are some things you should know.
Kids, teens & diabetes

Diabetes may affect your kid's ability to just be a kid. Learn about youth diabetes management, diet and coping strategies here.
Kids, teens & diabetes - Kids, teens & diabetes