Chronic Diseases & Nutrition: Diabetes Overview

Chronic Diseases & Nutrition: Diabetes

• Diabetes is one of the top 10 killers of adults.
• In Canada, an estimated 2.4 million people had diabetes by 2016.
• Common forms of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2.
• Warning signs of diabetes (Type 1 and later stages of Type 2) include excessive urination and thirst, glucose in the urine, weight loss with fatigue, cravings for sweets, frequent infections, blurred vision, pain in the legs/feet, slow healing of wounds, itching, and drowsiness, and abnormally high glucose levels in the blood.

Type 1 Diabetes

• Accounts for 5 to 10% of diabetes cases.
• Characterized by an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the pancreas, resulting in the inability to produce insulin.
• Requires external insulin sources, often in the form of fast-acting and long-acting insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

• The predominant type of diabetes.
• Characterized by the body's reduced sensitivity to insulin.
• Obesity is a significant factor.
• Other factors contributing include middle age, physical inactivity, body fat accumulation, and genetic inheritance.

Prediabetes

• A condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
• Considered a major risk factor for future diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
• Previously known as impaired glucose tolerance.

Diabetes Prevalence in Canada

• 34% of Canadians currently live with diabetes or prediabetes.
• 13% of Canadians have a diagnosed case of diabetes.
• In 2020, 11,232,000 Canadians (or 29% of the population) had either diagnosed diabetes or prediabetes.
• Projected 2030 figures estimate 13,559,000 people (32% of the population) with either condition.
• Direct healthcare costs in Canada for diabetes are $3.8B annually.

Diabetes Prevalence in Newfoundland and Labrador

• 34% of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians live with diabetes or prediabetes.
• 13% live with diagnosed diabetes.
• 2020 figures: 185,000 residents (or 34% of the population) have either diagnosed diabetes or prediabetes
• 2030 figures estimate 211,000 residents (or 38% of the population) will have either condition.
• Direct healthcare costs in the province are $67M annually.

Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes

• Individuals with healthy lifestyles (maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet high in vegetables, fruit, fish, poultry, and whole grains, regular exercise, restricting alcohol, and abstaining from smoking) have a greatly reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Newfoundland and Labrador

• 53.2% of adults and 52.1% of youth are physically inactive.
• 36% of adults are overweight and 40.2% are obese.
• 81.7% of adults aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables.
• 25% of males and 15% of females are considered heavy drinkers.
• 18.2% of adults are current smokers

Management of Diabetes

• Weight management (particularly for type 2).
• Dietary management includes: adequate nutrient intake, adequate fiber intake, moderate intake of added sugars, controlled total carbohydrate intake, low in saturated fat, adequate protein intake.
• Physical activity improves tissue sensitivity to insulin (sometimes requires pharmaceutical intervention).

Resources for Diabetes Management

• Most provinces have active Diabetes Canada regional offices and provincial programs for diabetes management.
• Dietitians are excellent resources for assessing dietary approaches to reduce diabetes risk.