Diabetes is on the rise in Alberta; thanks to early detection and treatment, lives are improving.

November is 'Diabetes Awareness Month', and the Diabetes Society does more than raise awareness and fund raise.  This time of year they have an opportunity to approach local MLAs to petition for better access to test strips and more significant reimbursements as test strips can cost up to $3600 a year. 

Canadian Diabetes Association, Director for Alberta and North West Territories, Scott McRae recommends that people over the age of 40 be screened at least every three years by their doctor, as one can have the disease without any symptoms. McRae says if you are showing any of the following, contact your doctor immediately:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigued
  • Tingling in hands and feet
  • Blurred vision
  • Prone to cuts and bruises

Type One diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and can be genetic.  Type Two diabetes is when the body is less likely to produce insulin or unable to effectively use the insulin the body produces. Type Two makes up for 90% of people living with diabetes.  People who are at higher risk for developing this disease include:

  • Older Generation
  • Individuals carrying excessive weight
  • Those not getting sufficient exercise
  • South Asian
  • First Nations

McRae encourages people to take control of this disease as quickly as possible. It is something that can be controlled and managed if proper steps are followed.

“The number of individuals out there with diabetes or pre-diabetes that don't know it yet, is terrifying. The thing with diabetes it’s a chronic disease, but you can live a great life with it if you manage it properly. If you manage poorly or are completely unaware you got diabetes that is when the downstream complications start to compound.”

If you would like to find out more about this disease or would like to take an online test to see if you may be at risk check here.