Diabetes Resources - updated April 8, 2013
It has been long established that there is an intricate relationship between diabetes, its potential long-term complications and vascular diseases. Through the work of the Central East LHIN's Diabetes and Vascular Health Team, health service providers are working together to determine service needs and gaps in both vascular related services as well as diabetes. This outreach includes reviewing the current state, system planning and providing opportunities for continuous quality improvement as the system becomes increasingly patient-centered.
Local residents and health care providers are encouraged to review the information below to learn more about local diabetes resources. To contact a member of the LHIN's Diabetes/Vascular Health team, please email centraleast@lhins.on.ca or call 1-866-804-5446.
Living With Diabetes – What you should know
Whether you’ve been living with diabetes for a long time or are newly diagnosed, it’s important that you have information to better understand your condition and what you can do to live a healthy life with diabetes.
The Central East LHIN Diabetes Resource Guide (Second Edition) aims to provide you with some introductory information you need to know to live a full, healthy life with diabetes.
LIVING WITH DIABETES GUIDE - NOW AVAILABLE IN TAMIL AND CANTONESE
To download a copy of the guide, please click here.
To download a copy of the guide in FRENCH, please click here.
To download a copy of the guide that also considers people who have Chronic Kidney Disease, please click here.
To download aTamil (pdf) version, please click here.
To download a Cantonese (pdf) version, please click here.
Please note: This guide is not intended to replace a more thorough diabetes education that can be provided by your healthcare team.
To request a hard copy of this publication, please call the Central East LHIN office at 905-427-5497/1-866-804-5446 or email centraleast@lhins.on.ca.
For Primary Care Providers: Diabetes-Related Resources and Information
Please click on the links below to access diabetes-related resources and information for primary care providers and their patients.
- Canadian Diabetes Association 2013 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada
- Diabetes Flow Sheet - The Diabetes Flow Sheet consolidates all the diabetes flow data that clinicians rely on for assessing progress of the condition. More importantly, it combines the flow sheet with the progress note so that decisions are based on the flow sheet data, as well as data from the visit itself. Successive visits can then be documented on a single flow sheet, so there is "flow-tracking" of the progress notes themselves. All pertinent data is included in the flow sheet, so the flow sheet compiles all relevant diabetes care.
- Tool for Achieving Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes– Centre for Effective Practice
- Diabetic Foot Risk Assessment Form The Diabetic Foot Risk Assessment Form is one of a series of patient and provider foot care tools developed by the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia (DCPNS) to increase both consumer and health professional awareness of foot problems associated with diabetes and aid in the early detection of diabetic foot problems.
- Choices & Changes for Healthcare Professionals
The Central East LHIN Self-Management program offers accredited workshops (Choices & Changes) for physicians, which teach communication skills that facilitate patient engagement and empower patients to adopt healthy behaviours. The program also provides free workshops for people with diabetes to equip patients with the skills, knowledge and confidence to manage their condition. For additional information healthcare professionals are asked to call 1-866-971-5545.
- Connecting Primary Care Providers to Diabetes Education Programs
Primary care providers are invited to refer their patients to a local diabetes education program. Education is essential in the treatment of diabetes, and people with diabetes are encouraged to take an active role in the day-to-day management of their own health care. Self-care, however, requires certain skills. These can be learned at one of region’s Diabetes Education Programs.
Additional Resources and Information for Patients
- Diabetes and You – Tool Kit
The information provided in the short videos and fact sheets below will help people living with diabetes understand diabetes and the steps they can take to manage it. They will learn about the importance of including exercise in their daily routine; the role of healthy eating - from portion control to dietary balance; how to deal with their blood glucose, medications and stress; and much more. For additional information please go to: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/diabetes/en/newly_diagnosed.html
- My Diabetes Passport and Goal Card
My Diabetes Passport and accompanying Goal Card were created to support individuals’ management of diabetes. In partnership with health care providers, Ontarians with diabetes can use the Diabetes Passport and Goal Card to record, track and monitor important information such as key test results, medications, diabetes education sessions, personal goals and planned activities to assist in self-management of their diabetes. To order copies for your office please visit Service Ontario’s website: http://www.ontario.ca/en/residents/index.htm and in the search box type “diabetes passport” to place your order.
- Living With Diabetes – What you should know
To download a copy of this guide in French, English, Cantonese or Tamil or to see how resource also supports people with Chronic Kidney Disease, please click here. To request a hard copy of these publications, please call the Central East Diabetes Regional Coordination Centre at 905-686-2800 or email drccinfo@charleshbest.com.
- Self-Management Workshop
The Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions six-week self-management workshop helps people to live well while dealing with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, lung disease, and other chronic health issues. Patients will develop new tools and skills that break the “symptom cycle,” to feel better, and do more of the activities that they love and enjoy.For additional information on these Self-Management Workshops, please visit: https://www.healthylifeworkshop.ca/home.aspx
What is diabetes?
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| Type 1 diabetes, usually diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, a hormone that ensures body energy needs are met. Approximately 10 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. |
| Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin that is produced. The remaining 90 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. It usually develops in adulthood, although increasing numbers of children in high-risk populations are being diagnosed. |
| Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs in approximately 3.5 per cent of all pregnancies. If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with gestational diabetes, both she and her child have an increased risk of developing diabetes in the future. |
Is diabetes serious?
If left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety of complications, including:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Kidney disease
- Eye disease
- Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- Nerve damage
The key to preventing or delaying the development of these complications is to take an active role in managing your diabetes and working with your healthcare team.
What are the risk factors for diabetes?
If you are 40 years old or over, you are at risk for Type 2 diabetes and should be tested at least every three years. If any of the following risk factors apply to you, ensure that you are tested earlier and/or more often.
You are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you:
- Are a member of one of the following high-risk groups: Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian or African descent
- Are overweight – especially if you carry most of your weight around your abdomen
- Have a parent, brother or sister with Type 2 diabetes
- Have any health complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease and stroke, eye, nerve or kidney problems
- Gave birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg (9 lbs)
- Had gestational diabetes while you were pregnant
- Have a history of impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose or prediabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol or other fats in the blood
- Have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Acanthosis nigricans (darkened patches of skin)
- Schizophrenia
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
The signs and symptoms of diabetes include:
- Unusual thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight change (either gain or loss)
- Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
- Blurred vision
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Trouble getting or maintaining an erection
Keep in mind that many people with Type 2 diabetes display none of these symptoms. If you think you are at risk, it is important to talk to your doctor, even if you have no symptoms.
Diabetes in the Central East LHIN - updated February 2, 2009
The Central East Diabetes Network has prepared a profile of diabetes in the Central East LHIN. This DRAFT document summarizes information that was contained in an update developed from the Diabetes in Ontario: An ICES Practice Atlas. Toronto: Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; 2003. To view a copy of the profile, please click on the link below.