Preventing type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot properly use the insulin that is released.

Am I at risk for developing type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes can occur without you knowing it, so it is important to be aware of the risk factors[PDF | 1.27 MB]:

• Age – are you 40 years of age or older?
• Race – are you a member of a high-risk population (Aboriginal, Hispanic, South Asian, Asian, or African descent)?
• Weight – are you overweight (especially around your middle)?
• Family history – do you have a close family member (parent, brother or sister) with diabetes?
• Gestational diabetes – have you had gestational diabetes (during pregnancy)?
• Large baby – have you given birth to a baby that weighed over 9lbs?
• High blood pressure – do you have high blood pressure?
• High cholesterol – do you have high cholesterol?
• Impaired glucose (sugar) tolerance or impaired fasting glucose – have you been told you have impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose?

Don't ignore these risk factors. If you think you might be at risk for developing diabetes, complete the Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire (CANRISK) [PDF | 408 KB] and discuss the results with your family physician or nurse practitioner.

The earlier you are diagnosed, the sooner you can take action to stay well – now and in the future. If you already have type 2 diabetes, then your children, brothers, and sisters are at risk. Urge them to be tested for diabetes.

Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?

Research has shown that you can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes by taking steps to manage your blood glucose when you have prediabetes. Prediabetes refers to blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not yet in range to diagnose type 2 diabetes.

How can I delay the onset of type 2 diabetes?

Simple lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in your health and quality of life.

1. Maintain a healthy weight.
2. Eat healthy meals and snacks – follow Canada’s Food Guide. 
3. Get regular physical activity.
4. Quit smoking.

What else can I do to learn more about living healthy to prevent type 2 diabetes?

The PEI Diabetes Program provides 'At Risk' classes that discuss healthy living approaches to help you reduce risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. The class is usually 3 hours and covers the following topics:

• Prediabetes and diabetes
• Healthy eating
• Physical activity

Where can I get more information about 'At Risk' classes?

Contact a Diabetes Program in your area to inquire about or to register for an 'At Risk' class:

Souris & Montague Diabetes Program

Montague Health Centre

407 MacIntyre Avenue

Montague, PE   C0A 1R0

Telephone:  (902) 838-0787

Fax:  (902) 838-0986

Queen East Diabetes Program

Sherwood Business Centre

161 St. Peter's Road

Charlottetown, PE   C1A 7N8

Telephone:  (902) 368-4959

Fax:  (902) 894-0321

Queen West Diabetes Program

Four Neighborhoods Health Centre

152 St. Peter's Road

Charlottetown, PE   C1A 7N8

Telephone:  (902) 569-7562

Fax:  (902) 368-6936

East Prince Diabetes Program

Harbourside Health Centre

243 Heather Moyse Drive

Summerside, PE   C1N 5R1

Telephone:  (902) 432-2600

Fax:  (902) 432-2610

West Prince Diabetes Program

O'Leary Health Centre

14 MacKinnon Drive

O'Leary, PE   C0B 1V0

Telephone:  (920) 859-3929

Fax:  (902) 859-3922