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Q: Can you prevent Type 2 diabetes (previously known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes)?

 

A. There are many risk factors for the development of Type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle is one area individuals can focus on to help prevent or delay the onset of this disease. Heathy eating, weight control, exercise, quitting smoking and reducing stress are important prevention steps. Other risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include:

• age - 40 years or older
• first-degree relative with diabetes (father, mother, brother or sister)
• delivered a baby over 9 lbs
• high blood pressure

Note: At this time there is no method to prevent Type 1 diabetes (previously known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes).

Q. What is borderline diabetes?

 

A. Normal blood glucose levels are:

Fasting - less than 6.1 mmol/L
2 hours after a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) - less than 7.8 mmol/L

Diabetes is diagnosed when blood glucose levels are:

Fasting - 7.0 mmol/L or higher
2 hours after a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT - 11.1 mmol/L or higher

When the blood glucose is higher than "normal" but lower than "diabetes" (i.e. Fasting blood glucose= 6.1-6.9 mmol/L and 2 hour OGTT is 7.8-11.0 mmol/L) this is called pre-diabetes not borderline diabetes.

Having blood glucose numbers in the pre-diabetes range means you are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. It is recommended that you make lifestyle changes to help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. These changes include healthy eating, weight control, exercise, quitting smoking and reducing stress.

Q. I have been diagnosed with diabetes. What can I eat?

 

A. Dietary recommendations for people with diabetes are the same for people without diabetes. They follow the principles of Canada's Food Guide and emphasize:

• Eat a variety of foods
• Emphasize whole grain products, fruits and vegetables
• Choose low fat dairy products, leaner meats, and foods prepared with little or no fat
• Limit salt, alcohol and caffeine

Portion sizes are also very important. This is something your diabetes dietitian will review with you.

Q. I have Type 2 diabetes. If I eat well and exercise will it go away?

 

A. Healthy eating, achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular activity and using medication all help your body process glucose from food better. As a result, your blood glucose levels can return to normal levels. However diabetes never really goes away. This is a myth. If you were to stop exercising and start eating large portions of unhealthy foods, it is likely you would see your blood glucose levels rise again. Jump to top page