Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative
DIABETES factSHEET
Cat. no. H21-195/2002-3
ISBN: 0-662-66478-7
Help on accessing alternative formats, such as PDF, MP3 and WAV
files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.
 (78
KB)
How do I know if I have diabetes?
There are several types of diabetes, but type 2 diabetes is the most common
among Aboriginal peoples.
You might have type 2 diabetes if:
- you are often thirsty
- you go to the bathroom a lot (urinate)
- you lose weight without knowing why
- you do not have much energy
- you can't see well (blurred vision)
- you get more infections than usual
- you have cuts and bruises that heal slowly
- you feel tingling or numbness in your hands or feet.
On the other hand, many people who have type 2 diabetes may not have any of
these signs. This is why it is important to be tested regularly for diabetes
if you are an Aboriginal adult, or if you have any of the signs listed above.
It is important to know if you have diabetes. The sooner you know, the sooner
you can take steps to help you live well with diabetes. People with diabetes
can live long, healthy, happy lives.
For more information, or to be tested for diabetes, contact your health care
provider.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a lifelong condition where your body does not produce enough
insulin, or your body cannot use the insulin it produces. Your body needs
insulin to change the sugar from food into energy.
For more information please visit www.healthcanada.ca/diabetes.
|
