Medical Disclaimer
The information at diabetesmedicinebag.com is for information purposes
only and is not intended to replace proper medical care or supplant any
in-person medical consultation or examination. Any information received
from this site is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure diabetes. We
encourage you to seek the advice of a trained health professional with
any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before seeking
any treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in
seeking medical treatment due to information obtained on diabetesmedicinebag.com.
- What is type 2 diabetes? *
- How does it differ from type 1 diabetes? *
- Can type 2 diabetes be ‘cured’? *
- Are there any recognizable symptoms for type 2 diabetes?
*
- Can type 2 diabetes be prevented? *
- Why is type 2 diabetes so high among Aboriginal communities?
- Why is it important to prevent type 2 diabetes?
- Where can I get more information about type 2 diabetes?
- Are the resources in the DMB different from the resources
in the original Tickle Trunk and Diabetes Discovery Kit?
- Can the resource tools be purchased individually?
- When will the Diabetes Medicine Bag for children ages
7-12 be ready?
1. What is type 2 diabetes? *
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin
or when the body does not use the insulin that is produced effectively.
Ninety percent of people with diabetes have type 2.
It usually occurs later in life (most who get it are over 45). However,
a growing number of Aboriginal children as young as five to eight
years old are developing it.
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2. How does it differ from type 1 diabetes?
*
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas no longer produces
any or very little insulin. The body needs insulin to use sugar for energy.
Approximately 10 percent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
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3. Can type 2 diabetes be ‘cured’?
*
Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure. It is a leading cause
of death by disease in Canada. However, once diagnosed it can be managed
by adopting healthy eating and active living habits, and in some cases,
with the help of medication.
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4. Are there any recognizable symptoms for type
2 diabetes? *
Signs and symptoms of diabetes include the following:
- unusual thirst
- frequent urination
- unusual weight loss
- extreme fatigue or lack of energy
- blurred vision
- frequent or recurring infections
- cuts and bruises that are slow to heal and
- tingling or numbness in hands or feet
It is also important to recognize that many people who have type 2 diabetes
may display no symptoms.
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5) Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
*
Scientists believe that lifestyle and type 2 diabetes are closely linked.
This means that lifestyle is one area individuals can focus on to help
prevent or delay the onset of the disease. A healthy diet, weight control,
exercise and reduction in stress are important prevention steps.
Meal Planning: What, when and how much you eat play
an important role in regulating how well your body manages blood sugar
levels.
Exercise: Regular exercise helps your body lower blood
sugars, promotes weight loss, reduces stress and enhances overall fitness.
Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is especially
important in the prevention and control of type 2 diabetes.
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6) Why is type 2 diabetes so high among Aboriginal
communities?
People of Aboriginal descent are three to five times more likely than
the general population to have or develop diabetes. Two in every three
Aboriginal persons with diabetes are women, but no one knows why this
is so.
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7) Why is it important to prevent type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes can lead to other serious problems such as:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Loss of limbs
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8) Where can I get more information about type
2 diabetes?
Please refer to our Links page.
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9) Are the resources in the DMB different from
the resources in the original Tickle Trunk and Diabetes Discovery Kit?
The content of the existing resources is the same. Additional items include
the User Guide and the removable tattoos. Other changes include the redesign
of the items and the packaging. (If you purchased a Tickle Trunk or Diabetes
Discovery Kit you can dowload a copy
of the User Guide)
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10) Can the resource tools be purchased individually?
No, the bag and its contents are not for individual sale.
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11) When will the Diabetes Medicine Bag for
children ages 7-12 be ready?
We are working hard to have the second Diabetes Medicine Bag ready for
delivery in early 2004. Please check our Web site at that time for an
update.
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* Information taken from www.diabetes.ca
with permission of the Canadian Diabetes Association 2003
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