The Story Behind World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day (WDD) was created in 1991 by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. It is marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. WDD is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to...
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Managing Sick Days
When you're feeling ill, you'd like nothing more than to lie in bed with a good book or movie. Yet that's when you need to focus even more on diabetes self-care. The key to sick days with diabetes is doing all of the thinking ahead of time. That way, when you don't feel like concentrating, you can simply follow the plan. What to include in your plan Involve your diabetes care healthcare team in developing your sick day plan —ask them when you should call for help, how often you should check your blood glucose and ketones, what medicines to take and what to eat. ...
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Managing Diabetes in the Workplace
Diabetes does not have to limit who you are or what you are able to accomplish. In fact, having this condition means that you have a lot to offer others. By talking about diabetes with family, friends or people at the office, you can help them better understand the complications you face each day, while gaining their respect and support. Having said that diabetes is 24/7 and for those of us who take care of diabetes every day, life can be complicated—a lot more complicated than a person who doesn't have diabetes. Every item you eat, every activity you perform and even just vegging in front of the TV requires consideration,...
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Teenagers And Diabetes: Disease Doesn't Clip Your Wings
Teenagers are building their self-image, experiencing new things and seeking validation from their peers. It shouldn’t be surprising that diabetes weighs heavily on them. Becoming responsible Teenagers may feel like rebelling against the whole routine surrounding diabetes management. Blood glucose tests remind them that they’re different and give them the impression of being constantly monitored. They might want to avoid being confronted with the results of a test so as not to feel discouraged or guilty. Here are some suggestions for easing the tension: ...
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Diabetes Friendly Halloween is that Possible?
Living with diabetes can make Halloween a difficult time for people who love this particular holiday. What’s not to love, right? You get to dress up in costumes, decorate your home, and dish up delicious treats to hand out to friends, family, and trick or treaters. When you have diabetes, Halloween can be a mountain of temptation, making it easy to stray from the healthy plan you have worked so hard to create for yourself. It does not have to be. Especially if you consider healthy options that help you avoid blood sugar spikes. We will share with you some of the things we...
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Let’s Chat… Living with Diabetes and Physical Activity!
Physical activity is an important part of managing Type 2 diabetes. But, before starting with a physical exercise regimen, patients using insulin or other medication that can cause hypoglycaemia should check with their doctor about the effects of vigorous exercise on their blood glucose levels.¹ So, what are the benefits of being physically active? Weight loss or maintenance of a healthy weight. Decreases stress and anxiety. Decreases insulin resistance. ...
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Finding the right solution for your fingertips:
Regular blood glucose testing (or blood sugar checking) forms the foundation of successful diabetes management. However, many people are put off testing by the inconvenience and pain. In fact, 35% of people with diabetes said pain was the principal reason for not testing1. So how can you make this less of a hurdle in your self-care? Select a less painful lancing device (or finger pricking device). Naturally, one factor that can contribute to the pain is your lancing device. That’s why we have worked...
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Let’s Chat… Do’s and Don’ts for good foot care, for people living with diabetes
Your feet may be the last thing on your mind, but daily care and looking after your feet is important too. Here are some do’s and don’ts for good foot care for people living with diabetes: Do: Wash your feet daily using lukewarm water and mild soap. Test the temperature of the bath water with your hands before getting in. If you are unable to do so, let someone else test it. Inspect (or ask someone else to inspect) your feet daily for cuts, cracks, bruises, blisters, corns, calluses and damaged nails. Also check the areas...
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Say Cheers with Confidence
Living with diabetes means celebrating each little victory, every healthy choice and new habit that helps you stay on top of your blood sugar. That sort of focus can be infectious, which has us thinking about how diabetes can actually help families stay healthy together even during these celebrations. All across the globe, friends and family enjoy relaxing or celebrating together with a drink. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be worried about continuing to include the beer, wine, or spirits you enjoy at your gatherings and holidays—Are the carbs...
Read MorePages
Managing Sick Days
When you're feeling ill, you'd like nothing more than to lie in bed with a good book or movie. Yet that's when you need to focus even more on diabetes self-care. The key to sick days with diabetes is doing all of the thinking ahead of time. That way, when you don't feel like concentrating, you can simply follow the plan. What to include in your plan Involve your diabetes care healthcare team in developing your sick day plan —ask them when you should call for help, how often you should check your blood glucose and ketones, what medicines to take and what to eat. ...
Read More Managing Diabetes in the Workplace
Diabetes does not have to limit who you are or what you are able to accomplish. In fact, having this condition means that you have a lot to offer others. By talking about diabetes with family, friends or people at the office, you can help them better understand the complications you face each day, while gaining their respect and support. Having said that diabetes is 24/7 and for those of us who take care of diabetes every day, life can be complicated—a lot more complicated than a person who doesn't have diabetes. Every item you eat, every activity you perform and even just vegging in front of the TV requires consideration,...
Read More Teenagers And Diabetes: Disease Doesn't Clip Your Wings
Teenagers are building their self-image, experiencing new things and seeking validation from their peers. It shouldn’t be surprising that diabetes weighs heavily on them. Becoming responsible Teenagers may feel like rebelling against the whole routine surrounding diabetes management. Blood glucose tests remind them that they’re different and give them the impression of being constantly monitored. They might want to avoid being confronted with the results of a test so as not to feel discouraged or guilty. Here are some suggestions for easing the tension: ...
Read More Diabetes Friendly Halloween is that Possible?
Living with diabetes can make Halloween a difficult time for people who love this particular holiday. What’s not to love, right? You get to dress up in costumes, decorate your home, and dish up delicious treats to hand out to friends, family, and trick or treaters. When you have diabetes, Halloween can be a mountain of temptation, making it easy to stray from the healthy plan you have worked so hard to create for yourself. It does not have to be. Especially if you consider healthy options that help you avoid blood sugar spikes. We will share with you some of the things we...
Read More Let’s Chat… Living with Diabetes and Physical Activity!
Physical activity is an important part of managing Type 2 diabetes. But, before starting with a physical exercise regimen, patients using insulin or other medication that can cause hypoglycaemia should check with their doctor about the effects of vigorous exercise on their blood glucose levels.¹ So, what are the benefits of being physically active? Weight loss or maintenance of a healthy weight. Decreases stress and anxiety. Decreases insulin resistance. ...
Read More Finding the right solution for your fingertips:
Regular blood glucose testing (or blood sugar checking) forms the foundation of successful diabetes management. However, many people are put off testing by the inconvenience and pain. In fact, 35% of people with diabetes said pain was the principal reason for not testing1. So how can you make this less of a hurdle in your self-care? Select a less painful lancing device (or finger pricking device). Naturally, one factor that can contribute to the pain is your lancing device. That’s why we have worked...
Read More Let’s Chat… Do’s and Don’ts for good foot care, for people living with diabetes
Your feet may be the last thing on your mind, but daily care and looking after your feet is important too. Here are some do’s and don’ts for good foot care for people living with diabetes: Do: Wash your feet daily using lukewarm water and mild soap. Test the temperature of the bath water with your hands before getting in. If you are unable to do so, let someone else test it. Inspect (or ask someone else to inspect) your feet daily for cuts, cracks, bruises, blisters, corns, calluses and damaged nails. Also check the areas...
Read More Say Cheers with Confidence
Living with diabetes means celebrating each little victory, every healthy choice and new habit that helps you stay on top of your blood sugar. That sort of focus can be infectious, which has us thinking about how diabetes can actually help families stay healthy together even during these celebrations. All across the globe, friends and family enjoy relaxing or celebrating together with a drink. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be worried about continuing to include the beer, wine, or spirits you enjoy at your gatherings and holidays—Are the carbs...
Read More