What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot properly store and use food for energy.

There is little or no response from insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas. Insulin is responsible for moving extra blood sugar over to the body cells for energy.

Blood sugars increase above normal levels. This often leads to complications such as heart, kidney, and eye disease, and circulatory problems. Nerves may also be damaged by high sugars over time.

Risk Factors

• Age 40 years and over
• Family history of Diabetes
• Overweight
• History of Gestational Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Gave birth to a baby weighing greater than 4 kg (9 lbs)
• Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian, or African descent
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Schizophrenia
• Acanthosis Nigricans (darkened patches of skin)

Symptoms

Frequent urination Fatigue Frequent thirst Blurred vision Dry mouth Mood changes

Difficulty concentrating Change in appetite Weight gain or loss Cuts that do not heal Chronic infections Dry skin

*If you have any of the above risk factors or symptoms, speak to your Doctor

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