November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and as a Family Physician in North Delta, BC, I aim to provide essential information about Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, a condition affecting millions worldwide and increasingly prevalent here in Canada. Understanding this chronic disease can help us all take steps to manage or prevent it.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose from the blood for energy. Without enough effective insulin, blood sugar remains high, causing health issues over time.
Global Prevalence
Type 2 Diabetes has reached epidemic levels globally, affecting over 460 million adults (around 10% of the adult population) and expected to rise in coming years.
Canadian and BC Prevalence
In Canada, about 3.5 million people have diabetes, most of whom have Type 2 Diabetes. In British Columbia, an estimated 1 in 10 adults lives with diabetes, with prevalence increasing each year.
Diabetes rates vary across different Canadian demographics:
General Canadian population: 9.3%
White Canadians: Lower prevalence than other groups.
Chinese Canadian: 1.9 times higher than the general population
African Canadians: 2 times higher incidence rate, often linked to genetic and socioeconomic factors.
South Asians: Significantly higher prevalence, partly due to genetic susceptibility and lifestyle factors. 3.4 times higher incidence rate of diabetes compared to white Canadians.
Indigenous Canadians: Among the highest rates( 17.2%), impacted by both genetic predisposition and social determinants of health, including access to healthcare and socioeconomic factors.
Common Predisposing Factors
Several factors increase the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, including:
Age: More common in adults over 45 but increasingly affecting younger people.
Family History: A family history of diabetes raises risk.
Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, and lack of physical activity are significant risk factors.
Unhealthy Diet: High sugar, high-fat diets contribute to risk.
Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, as mentioned above, have higher prevalence rates.
High Blood Pressure or Cholesterol: These conditions often accompany diabetes.
Common Symptoms (or Lack Thereof)
Many people with Type 2 Diabetes experience no symptoms initially, which is why it’s often called a “silent” disease. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Increased thirst
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Frequent urination
Slow-healing sores
Complications of Untreated Type 2 Diabetes
If unmanaged, Type 2 Diabetes can lead to serious health complications, such as:
Heart Disease and Stroke: Increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Kidney Disease: Can progress to kidney failure over time.
Nerves Damage: May cause numbness or pain, particularly in the hands and feet.
Eye Damage: Risk of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.
Foot Problems: Poor circulation and nerve damage can lead to severe infections and limbs amputation…
Problems with sexual and reproductive health: male impotence, birth complications…
Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
Diagnosis involves several simple tests:
Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood glucose after fasting (8h).
A1C Test: Reflects average blood sugar levels over prior 2–3 months.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood glucose before and after drinking a sweet liquid to see how well the body processes sugar.
Treatment and Management
Managing Type 2 Diabetes involves lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medications:
Diet: Emphasis on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and limiting sugar intake.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise to help control blood sugar and weight.
Medications: Some people need medications, including oral drugs or insulin, to help control blood sugar.
Monitoring: Regular blood sugar checks to ensure levels remain within the target range.
Surveillance and Future Perspectives
Monitoring diabetes trends in Canada, especially among high-risk groups, is critical for effective public health responses. Future efforts focus on increasing access to preventive care, promoting lifestyle interventions, and supporting research into more effective treatments and potential cures.
Final Thoughts
Type 2 diabetes is a serious but manageable condition. Knowing your risk, recognizing
symptoms, and making lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference in prevention and management.
If you have concerns about your risk for Type 2 Diabetes, please, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation and personalized advice.
Let's work together to build a healthier, stronger and prosperous Canada.
By Jean - Pierre Kabongo, MD
Medilink Consulting Centre
Comments