If you’re one of the 5.7 million Canadians living with diabetes, you understand that managing diabetes is a daily challenge.
If not, it’s still worth getting tested, especially if you’re over 40. Some people may be at higher risk, regardless of their personal or strong family history, and may want to start diabetes screening sooner.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada, and the Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network is highlighting the free resources available throughout the year to support people living with diabetes.
“If you are an average Albertan over the age of 40 and have not been tested for type 2 diabetes, since November is Diabetes Awareness Month, please contact your doctor to see if you are scheduled to be tested or Now is a good time to ask if you are eligible for testing, so get tested now,” says Dr. Janet Reynolds, Medical Director of Calgary Foothills PCN.
“If you need additional help, please scroll down to cfpcn.ca You will see all the workshops that may help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. ”
It’s worth getting tested even if you don’t have symptoms.
Dr. Janet Reynolds, medical director of Calgary Foothills PCN, says, “Those results could obviously be negative, so just move on and keep trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.” ” he explains.
However, in some cases, the test may be completely positive and result in a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, or it may be somewhere in between, where the patient may be suspected or at high risk for diabetes and may need some education. It may be.
“This is an opportunity to actually prevent progression to type 2 diabetes. These patients come to our workshops to understand what we can actually control to prevent progression of the disease. They really want to get involved and talk to medical professionals.”
Dr Reynolds said the team works collaboratively with each other and with GPs to provide care.
“Our overall aim is to support primary care physicians with integrated, team-based care. That’s why our primary care network has a variety of health professionals who can help you manage your diabetes. ” she explains.
“It can start with your GP, but patients can also consult themselves,” she says. “Then, I’m going to cfpcn.ca On the website, patients can see all available workshops and programs without the need for a referral from a doctor. If you have a primary care physician, you can keep him or her informed. ”
Available supports range from mental health counseling and social support.
“Some people with diabetes have other conditions that can be affected, such as mental health conditions, which is why we provide one-on-one counseling and other mental health support. can do.”
They have social workers who will help people who need help with things that cost money, such as home blood sugar tests and medications, as much as possible.
Here you will find a complete list of support available and links to point you in the right direction.
- clinical pharmacist We can help with diabetes treatment, regular lab tests, foot exams, annual vaccinations, ongoing monitoring, and creating follow-up plans.
- health care nurse We support lifestyle, health management, sharing diabetes education, and monitoring complications.
- Registered dietitian We provide nutritional counseling to help you better understand how different foods affect blood sugar levels.
- social worker We can help provide information on health benefits, including prescription coverage and creating a plan to help improve your lifestyle.
- workshop Available both online and in-person to support diabetes education.There are some ask a nutritionist Workshops also include those focused on diabetes or prediabetes.
- mental health Support is available both online and in person. Access one-on-one counseling. step by step You can create a program or sign up for various workshops. Anxiety 101, From anxiety to serenityand basics of happiness.
If you don’t live in their catchment area, you can go here To see where it goes.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body cannot produce insulin or properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas.
There are three main types of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common diagnosis, followed by type 1 diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy but is usually temporary. Additionally, prediabetes is another important diagnosis that indicates an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower extremity amputations, and blindness in adults. Over the past 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled.
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