Managing diabetes – no matter where you live in the developed world – follows the same general principles. However, managing diabetes in Canada can be different than in other countries, with respect to clinical practice recommendations, medications and devices. This article highlights some of these differences.
Diabetes Management in Canada
How common is diabetes in Canada?
Diabetes is a very common condition in Canada. Currently, 12 million Canadians are living with prediabetes or diabetes: this means that about 1 in 3 people in Canada are affected by these conditions.
Diabetes Canada estimates that by 2025, 5 million people (12% of the population) will have diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs in about 10% of diabetes cases in Canada, while type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of diabetes cases.
Prediabetes refers to blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Not everyone who has prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes, however, if left untreated, more than half will have type 2 diabetes within 8 to 10 years. It is estimated that there are approximately 7 million Canadians living with prediabetes.
Diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes in Canada
Diabetes Canada has developed clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes. They are as follows:
Diabetes
- Fasting blood sugar: 7.0 mmol/L or higher
- A1C: 6.5% or higher
- Oral glucose tolerance test result: 11.1 mmol/L or higher (this test measures the body's response to sugar)
Prediabetes
- Fasting blood sugar: 6.1 to 6.9 mmol/L
- A1C: 6.0 to 6.4%
- Oral glucose tolerance test result: 7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L
Blood sugar targets in Canada
Diabetes Canada also has recommendations for blood sugar targets for people with diabetes. They are:
- Blood sugar before meals: 4.0 to 7.0 mmol/L
- Blood sugar 2 hours after the start of eating: 5.0 to 10.0 mmol/L
- A1C: 7.0% or lower
Guidelines for managing diabetes in Canada
Managing diabetes in Canada is an important endeavour, as the disease has become an epidemic here. Evidence-based recommendations that guide diabetes management in Canada are the clinical practice guidelines developed by Diabetes Canada. These guidelines are regularly updated, and contain information about the diagnosis of diabetes and all aspects of its management – blood sugar levels, physical activity, nutrition, complications, etc.
Diabetes medications and supplies coverage in Canada
Medication coverage is an important consideration for people with diabetes in Canada. Public coverage of diabetes medications and supplies in Canada varies from province to province. Click here for Formulary Listings for Diabetes Medications in Canada.
Blood sugar monitoring in Canada
It is important to understand your blood sugar levels. This can be accomplished in a few ways. One of the most common ways is using a blood glucose meter. With this method, you prick your finger to obtain a drop of blood and use the meter to measure your blood sugar level. It is a good idea to measure your blood sugar a few times each week and at different times of the day, including before and after a meal and before bedtime. Your healthcare team can help you determine when, and how often, you should test.
Continuous glucose monitoring is a newer technology that measures glucose levels in real time. It essentially allows people to see their glucose level 24 hours a day, with few or no fingerstick tests.
Where to find diabetes support in Canada
People who have diabetes can benefit from a number of support systems, both in person and online, as well as individual and group support. Read on to learn more about finding diabetes support in Canada. A number of organizations (including Diabetes Canada and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) offer support programs, as do Diabetes Education Centres and Diabetes Education Programs in numerous cities across Canada.
Finding diabetes support in Canada
People who have diabetes can benefit from a number of support systems, both in person and online, as well as individual and group support.
What is the blood sugar range for prediabetes in Canada?
Before being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your body may provide signals that there is something not quite right with your blood sugar levels. This could mean you have prediabetes.
Differences between continuous glucose monitoring systems in Canada
Continuous glucose monitoring systems have become more commonly used in recent years by Canadians living with diabetes. There are various systems available, which have many similarities
Diabetes management: how are we doing in Canada?
Management of blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure are important for people with diabetes. How do Canadians rate with respect to these parameters? Read this article to learn more about the state of diabetes management in Canada.
