Ending the stigma of diabetes

“I was nervous at first when I heard I had type two diabetes,” said, Moccasin. “I knew that it run in my family and I was really scared.”

Calling it the health challenge of the 21st century, Diabetes Canada says that diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the country.

There are two common types of diabetes; type one and type two.

Type one diabetes causes your pancreas shuts down and you need insulin to survive. Type two diabetes can be controlled with exercise, proper diet and regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels.

“Some days are easier than others,” said Moccasin. “Some days I get a bit lazy but for the most part I keep active and watch my sugars. Just today I was hauling stuff from my shed.”

Genetics and ethnicity are also contributing factors in getting the disease.

According to Diabetes Canada, the likelihood of you contracting the disease increases significantly if someone in your family has diabetes. Indigenous, Asian and African Canadians also have a higher risk of getting diabetes.

So for Sandra Moccasin, it wasn’t a matter of if she got diabetes; it was a matter of when she got it.

“Both of my parents had diabetes and I saw what they went through taking all those pills,” Moccasin remembered. “I said I never wanted to go through what they did and so far so good.”

Keeping a proper attitude is also key to combatting the diabetes as well, something Moccasin has no trouble with.

“On the days when I am down I just have a little peanut butter and that seems to give me the boost I need.”

Diabetes Canada reminds everyone that some symptoms of diabetes include unusual thirst, weight change, fatigue, blurred vision or numbness of your hands and feet and recommends if you experience any of these conditions see your family doctor immediately.

Email: roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BattlefordsNow

by Roger White

Ending the stigma of diabetes

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