The earlier it can be detected, the better chance you have of not developing complications.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) is encouraging people to get tested and start making healthier choices in life.

Brie Hnetka, regional director of the CDA in Saskatchewan, says the provincial facts are alarming.

THE FACTS:

  • Around 97,000 people are diagnosed with diabetes in Saskatchewan. 
  • Five per cent of those with diabetes have Type I. Typically diagnosed in children, Type I is a autoimmune disease which destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas.
  • Therefore, 95 per cent of those diagnosed are living with Type II. Usually developed in adulthood, Type II diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body isn't effectively using the insulin it produces.
  • An additional 176,000 in the province are living with prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes.
  • This means around 24 per cent of the Saskatchewan population is living with either Type I or Type II diabetes.
  • Of those living with prediabetes, 50 per cent will go on to develop the disease.

Type II diabetes is the main focus for the awareness month. Hnetka said for those outside of high risk populations (those over 40 years of age, those with close relatives with Type II, and those with ethnic backgrounds including Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian or African), there are ways to try and prevent, or delay, the onset by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

"The problem with type II diabetes is it kind of comes on sometimes slowly and people don't realize some of the signs and symptoms until they start seeing the complications," she explained.

Six years ago, Hnetka started working for the CDA and began her journey to a healthier lifestyle.

"It's really resonated with me that it's so important to just take control of your own health and to try and give yourself the best chances and just be super conscious," said Hnetka.

THE TIPS:

  • Go get assessed by your doctor if you are feeling tired, going to the bathroom more and drinking more.
  • CAN RISK is an online screening test, available at here, which gives your a score for how at risk you are for developing Type II diabetes.
  • Exercise every day.
  • Eat well and make healthier choices.
  • Hnetka said it takes around 21 days to adopt a healthy habit, which is why the CDA is holding a 21 Day Challenge to End Diabetes, and more information can be found here.

"The sooner that you can be detected, if you have diabetes and you start managing it, the better off you'll be with not developing complications down the road," said Hnetka.