Diabetes Care

When you have diabetes, you may have high blood glucose (sugar) levels (hyperglycemia) or low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) from time to time. What is high blood glucose? High blood glucose, or hyperglycemia, occurs when the amount of glucose...

When you have diabetes, you may have low blood glucose (sugar) levels (hypoglycemia) or high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) from time to time. What is low blood glucose? Low blood glucose, or hypoglycemia, occurs when the amount of glucose in...

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease in which your body is unable to produce insulin or properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Diabetes leads to high blood...

When you have diabetes, foot care is very important. How can diabetes affect my feet? Too much glucose in your blood can damage the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. This can result in a loss of sensation, that is, you may not feel a foot injury...

Dental health is important, especially if you have diabetes. Poorly managed blood glucose (sugar) levels can lead to severe toothaches or other dental problems. What are the signs of dental problems with diabetes? Some signs of dental problems...

How can diabetes affect my eyes and eyesight? If you have high blood glucose (sugar), you may be at risk of developing eye or vision problems. What can I do to prevent eye problems? To avoid eye problems associated with diabetes, you should: manage...

Heart and blood vessel problems can occur if you have high blood glucose (sugar) levels. What do my heart and blood vessels do? Your heart and blood vessels make up your circulatory system. Your heart is a muscle that pumps blood through your body...

Nerve damage is a long-term complication of diabetes. If you have high blood glucose (sugar) levels over an extended period of time it can cause diabetic neuropathy (damage your nerves). What is neuropathy? There are two types of neuropathy...

What are the kidneys? The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are connected to the bladder. They are located below the ribs near the back. What do the kidneys do? The kidneys have many different jobs, but one of the most important is to filter...

Effective May 1, 2025, many insulin products and oral diabetes medications are eligible for full coverage under the National Pharmacare Program (NPP); see National Pharmacare Program for more information. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you...

What are ketones? Ketones are made when your body begins using fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. When there is not enough insulin to get glucose (sugar) from the blood into the cells, the body will turn to fat for energy. When fat is broken...

If you are living with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes, the Provincial Diabetes Program can provide you with education, support and management advice. What can the Provincial Diabetes Program do for me? The Diabetes Program can offer you...

An illness, injury or surgery can impact your diabetes management. When you are not feeling well your blood glucose (sugar) may fluctuate and be unpredictable. It is important to pay special attention to nutrition, medication and testing your blood...

What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. Women who develop this complication do not have diabetes prior to becoming pregnant. It can affect about 3-12 per cent of...

Under the Glucose Sensor Program, eligible Islanders can buy glucose sensors at a reduced cost at pharmacies on PEI. What is a glucose sensor? Glucose sensors, often referred to as Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) track glucose (i.e., sugar)...

Below is a comparison of some of the key features of the glucose sensors available under the PEI Glucose Sensor Program. Dexcom (G6 and G7 sensors) Freestyle Libre (Libre 2 sensor and Libre 3 plus sensor) Medtronic (Guardian 3 and Guardian 4 sensors)...

The Insulin Pump Program helps eligible people living with type 1 diabetes with the cost of approved insulin pumps and supplies. Am I eligible for this program? You may be eligible to register in the Insulin Pump Program, if you are diagnosed with...

Frequently Asked Questions for Insulin Pump Users includes helpful advice on when to seek assistance from: your pump company your diabetes educator your nearest emergency department Sick Day Management on an Insulin Pump provides important points to...

Many people with diabetes live long and healthy lives. While there is no cure for diabetes, it can be managed by: having a healthy diet; exercising regularly; and monitoring and recording your blood glucose (sugar) levels ( Insulin log and Non...

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...

The Provincial Preventative Diabetes Foot Care Program provides education, assessments, and preventative nail and foot care for people living with diabetes with a moderate or higher risk of foot problems. It can improve your independence and self...

If you have diabetes, traveling requires extra planning. Changes in meals, activity levels, and time zones can affect your blood glucose (sugar) levels. What can I do to plan ahead for a long journey or if I’m traveling by airplane? Your diabetes...