Understanding Diabetes
Risks, Symptoms, and How to Take Control
Did you know that one in three Canadian adults is living with diabetes or prediabetes?
That’s over 11 million people — and chances are, someone you care about is affected. Despite how common it is, many people still don’t understand how diabetes develops or what early signs to watch for.
Let’s break down the basics of diabetes and explore simple ways you can lower your risk.
The Basics of Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body uses insulin — a hormone made by the pancreas. Insulin helps regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood and allows your body to use sugar for energy.
In people with diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively. When blood sugar levels aren’t properly controlled, it can lead to serious health problems, including damage to your organs, blood vessels, and nerves.
Types of Diabetes
There are four main types of diabetes, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches:
- Type 2 Diabetes
This is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90–95% of cases in Canada. It’s sometimes called non–insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, medication, and weight loss (if living with obesity). Symptoms and complications can vary from person to person.
- Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, affects about 10% of people living with diabetes. It usually develops in childhood or adolescence but can also appear in adulthood. People with type 1 diabetes need to inject insulin or use an insulin pump to help their bodies regulate blood sugar levels.
- Gestational diabetes
This is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It affects between 3% and 20% of pregnant women. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life — for both the mother and child.
- Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It’s a warning sign — people with prediabetes are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
No matter which type of diabetes you’re diagnosed with, or where you are in your journey, living with it isn’t easy. That’s why it’s so important to understand your risk and take steps early to protect your health.
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Recognizing the signs of type 2 diabetes early can make a big difference in managing the condition. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- unusual thirst
- frequent urination
- weight change (gain or loss)
- extreme fatigue or low energy
- blurred vision
- frequent or recurring infections
- cuts and bruises that heal slowly
- tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Recognizing the signs of type 2 diabetes early can make a big difference in managing the condition. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- unusual thirst
- frequent urination
- weight change (gain or loss)
- extreme fatigue or low energy
- blurred vision
- frequent or recurring infections
- cuts and bruises that heal slowly
- tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms or think someone close to you might be at risk — don’t wait. Reach out to a healthcare professional. Getting a diagnosis early means you can start taking steps to protect your health and feel your best, both now and in the future.
Potential complications of diabetes
Diabetes can affect your body from head to toe — and if left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health complications. These may include:
- Kidney disease (nephropathy)
- Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy)
- Heart disease & stroke
- High blood pressure
- Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or diabetes distress, can also arise from the stress of managing a chronic condition.
- Nerve damage (diabetic peripheral neuropathy)
How to reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Making healthy lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes — even if you've already been diagnosed with prediabetes or have been told you're at high risk. The good news? Small steps can lead to big results.
Here are some positive changes you can make:
Eat a healthy diet
- Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools for prevention. Even small adjustments to your meals can help reduce your risk. Start by adding more:
- Vegetables and whole grains
- Plant-based proteins like beans and lentils
- Lean meats, dairy, and oily fish
- Healthy fats such as nuts and olive oil
How to reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Making healthy lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes — even if you've already been diagnosed with prediabetes or have been told you're at high risk. The good news? Small steps can lead to big results.
Here are some positive changes you can make:
Eat a healthy diet
- Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools for prevention. Even small adjustments to your meals can help reduce your risk. Start by adding more:
- Vegetables and whole grains
- Plant-based proteins like beans and lentils
- Lean meats, dairy, and oily fish
- Healthy fats such as nuts and olive oil
Move more
Regular physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively. Aim for:
- At least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week (like walking, biking, or jogging)
- Less time sitting — even short movement breaks throughout the day ― make a difference
Manage your weight
If you're living with obesity, losing just 5% of your initial body weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider about a plan that works for you.
Talk to a healthcare professional
Everyone over the age of 40 should be tested for diabetes every three years. If you have risk factors, you may need to be tested earlier and more often.
Get educated
Take the Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire to find out if you are at risk of having prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. It’s a quick and easy way to get informed and take action.
How Medavie Blue Cross can help
At Medavie Blue Cross, we help members living with diabetes manage their condition by making information, tools and resources readily available and accessible.
Connected Care
Connected Care is a powerful online health and wellness platform designed to support your journey toward better health. It offers access to:
- Personalized health coaching for diabetes, hypertension, and weight management
- Digital tools to help track progress and stay motivated
- Nutrition support tailored to your goals
Personalized Health Coaching for Chronic Care
Our Health Coaching and Chronic Disease Management benefit empowers plan members to take charge of their condition by providing convenient, all-in-one support. This includes:
- Access to a glucose monitoring tool
- Home-delivered test strips
One-on-one counselling and education from a dedicated health coach team
Physical Health Insights
A new program that gives members a clear picture of their current health through lab and movement tests, plus one-on-one consultations with a nurse practitioner, dietitian, and athletic therapist. Together, this care team helps members set goals and create a personalized plan to improve energy, strength, balance, heart health, and recovery.
Have questions? We're here to help.
If you're curious about our services, our customer service team is happy to assist.
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on November 25, 2025
Sources : Diabetes Canada
Medavie Blue Cross is a premier all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits and administers federal and provincial government-sponsored health programs. Together with Medavie Health Services, we are part of Medavie, a health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians. We are in the...