Twenty or thirty years ago, when you heard about diabetes it was generally in reference to type 1 diabetes, the kind that develops most often in childhood and requires daily insulin injections. But today, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease in Canada, and incidence is rising.
"Diabetes cost the Canadian healthcare system and economy $11.7 billion in 2010,” says Dr. Carolyn Dean, "and costs will rise to $16 billion by 2020.” About 10 per cent, or 3.4 million, of Canadians are estimated to have diabetes, and another 5.7 million are estimated to be pre-diabetic.
With the increase in diabetes diagnoses, it’s important to know the warning signs of both forms of the disease. Fortunately, we have more tools for managing diabetes than ever before, and with medications, diet, exercise, and/or other treatments as required, diabetics can live long and healthy lives.
Here are 15 things you must know about type 1 and type 2 diabetes, from the causes and symptoms to diagnosis and disease management.
