Diabetes affects about 3.8 million Canadians and about 200,000 more are diagnosed annually. It is a chronic condition affecting one’s blood sugar levels due to the body’s inability to regulate insulin. The most common type of diabetes in Canadians is type 2. Diabetes is associated with many other health conditions, such as, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, stroke, and blindness. Thus, it is crucial to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
A normal blood sugar level is around 4.0 to 5.5 mmol/L before eating, and up to 7.8 mmol/L after eating. When blood sugar levels show a reading between 7.8 mmol/L to 11.0 mmol/L, it is called prediabetes, while over 11.0 mmol/L is known as diabetes. If you are prediabetic, before prescribing you with any medication, like supplemental insulin, it is encouraged that lifestyle changes are made. For example, a cleaner and more balanced diet with less carbohydrates and more fibre and protein can help reduce blood sugar. Physical activity is another way to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Going for daily walks, doing yoga, or even gardening, can all aid in keeping your blood sugar levels at a healthy state. It is recommended to do about 150 minutes of regular physical activity per week, or around 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.
When there is an indication that your blood sugar levels are not improving after lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe some medication such as Metformin. Metformin regulates your blood sugar levels by restoring the body’s appropriate response to insulin. If tablets are not enough to see healthy improvements, doctors often recommend insulin injections. Whatever it is that is suitable for your lifestyle, Guildview Pharmacy is here to help you figure out what is right for you! Timothy Mok (PharmD), the pharmacy manager, is also a diabetes educator that is more than happy to make a plan with you to help reach your health goals.
Written by: Pritika Thevasingha
Read more from:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/index.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371451
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11285-7061/metformin-oral/metformin-oral/details
https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes#risk-factors
