Most people now know November as the month where we raise awareness about men’s health. But it’s also National Diabetes Awareness month and the Canadian Diabetes Association said now more then ever education is key to people living with diabetes everywhere.
Randi Gill, communications manager for the Canadian Diabetes Association, said “It’s a global issue, but its impact is felt by people and families across Canada. If you don’t have it, there is a good chance someone in your family or circle of friends is affected.”
Gill said diabetes or pre-diabetes affects more than 10 million Canadians and recognizing when you’re at risk is very important.
“When it comes to diabetes knowledge is the best prevention and management.”
Leighia Ashbridge, is a type I diabetic, and says people need to be educated because there are so many misconceptions.
“It should be necessary to know what to do for a diabetic in an emergency situation as much as it is for someone with a severe allergy that requires an epipen,” said Ashbridge.
Many people, she says, are unaware of how to treat a diabetic who might be in an emergency situation.
“I’ve had many people question me if I can eat things that contain sugar because they think that diabetics cannot consume sugar,” said Ashbridge. “However there are times when diabetics blood sugar will go to low and they to have sugar before [their] blood sugar drops further.”
According to Ashbridge this is a problem.
Stephanie Henry, a nurse practitioner and certified diabetes educator says, “knowledge is power and the more we can educate people about diabetes and it’s impact on personal and community health, the better.”
Henry says that diabetes is a much larger issue and education can help ease this issue.
“This not only affects the individual living with diabetes but also their families who may have end up caring for them and the financial impact of medications, health care appointments, and home care.”
Some things like food and timing meals, how to monitor blood sugar levels, and what to do about those levels are some of the many things that Henry spends her time educating her patients on.
“Everyone has a choice how to live their life, with the proper education they can be empowered to make better healthy choices,” said Henry.
