The CGM Blog
Diabetes Education: Understanding and Living with Diabetes
Educating yourself about diabetes and how to manage it is important at every stage of the journey, especially at the beginning. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, not knowing what’s happening can be distressing.
It’s possible to live a full, active, and healthy life after a diabetes diagnosis. As of 2022, 10% of Canadians are diagnosed with diabetes and up to 30% of Canadians are affected by diabetes when including those who have gone undiagnosed or have prediabetes.1 Efforts to support the community of people living with diabetes are expanding and there are there are many resources available for those living with a diagnosis to increase your knowledge of technology, medication, and diabetes.
Taking the time to learn more about what’s going on and what to do about living with diabetes may help bring you some peace of mind. Perhaps more importantly, it can empower you to make confident choices about your diabetes management alongside your healthcare provider.
Understanding Diabetes Basics
The world of diabetes concepts and medical terminology might be new to you. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re faced with unfamiliar jargon. Being able to communicate effectively with your healthcare provider is key, so here are a few terms that may be important to know as you navigate conversations about diabetes management.
What is the difference between Type 1 Diabetes & Type 2 Diabetes?
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition that has caused the body to destroy the beta cells in the pancreas and they can no longer produce insulin. T1D is typically diagnosed in childhood, but can be diagnosed later in life as well. Roughly 10 percent of people living with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes must be treated with insulin injections or an insulin pump because the body can’t make its own.2
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a condition where the pancreas either can’t make enough insulin or the body doesn’t do an effective job of using insulin, which is called insulin resistance.3,4 About 90 percent of people living with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Scientists are still unsure about what exactly causes T2D, but being overweight and having low activity levels are factors that have been shown to contribute to the development of this type of diabetes.5 Type 2 diabetes can be managed through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, but medications and/or insulin are often necessary for treatment.6
Helpful Diabetes Terms Definitions
What is Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar and glucose: Put simply, blood sugar is the concentration of sugar molecules in the blood. Glucose is the scientific name for the sugar that the body uses for energy. Glucose levels can be measured in the blood and also in your interstitial fluid, the liquid that fills the spaces between cells. See what a normal level of blood sugar is to help you navigate your diabetes management.
What is an A1C test for diabetes?
An A1C test is a blood test used to figure out average blood sugar levels over the previous three months and is the primary test used to diagnose and track diabetes.7 A1C is also called HbA1C or hemoglobin A1C and refers to hemoglobin cells in the blood that are bonded with glucose, called glycated hemoglobin cells. The A1C test measures how much glucose is bonded to these cells – the more the glucose, the higher the A1C. Discover ways you can lower your A1C level that don’t involve changes to your diet.
What is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone that’s made by beta cells in your pancreas, which helps the body use the carbohydrates from food for energy. Insulin allows glucose to be absorbed from the bloodstream into liver, fat, and muscle cells to be used for energy. Insulin is one of the medications that people living with diabetes can use to manage their condition.8
What is Hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia is when blood glucose levels are too high (to remember: high-per). Unaddressed long-term hyperglycemia can negatively affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.9 Diabetes Canada defines hyperglycemia as blood sugar levels that are at or above 11.0 mmol/L.10
What is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is when blood glucose levels are too low (to remember: hy-po, rhymes with low), a common complication of diabetes treatment. The body needs glucose for energy, so it’s important to watch out for hypoglycemia as it can prevent the body from functioning properly.11 Diabetes Canada defines hypoglycemia as blood sugar levels that are below your target range or less than 4.0 mmol/L.10
What is Time in Range (TIR)?
Time in range (TIR) is the amount of time a person spends within a range of optimal glucose levels throughout the day. Everyone's ideal range is unique to them and based on what their health care professional advises. Diabetes Canada defines TIR as the time spent with glucose in the range of 3.9-10 mmol/L. Spending more time in range means that glucose levels have been relatively stable, rather than dipping low (hypoglycemia) and peaking high (hyperglycemia).
Diabetes Education Empowers You to Thrive
Studies have shown that education about diabetes self-care, called self-management education, plays a major role in achieving positive outcomes and improving glycemic control.12 Learning more about the factors that impact your (or your loved one’s) health puts you on the path to building great habits and optimizing your diabetes management plan.
Diabetes management revolves around so many factors, monitoring your blood sugar levels and increasing your TIR are just two pieces of the puzzle to consider. Many things influence blood sugar, but there are a few basic factors that you should familiarize yourself with:
- Nutrition: Blood sugar is heavily impacted by what you eat. Eating healthily and carefully balancing carbohydrate or sugar consumption with medication and exercise is the foundation of diabetes management.13 Talk to your healthcare provider about nutritional needs and the diet options that might work best for you.
- Exercise: The right amount of physical activity for you helps your body use insulin more effectively.14 Exercise prompts your muscles to use glucose for energy, even if there isn’t insulin present.14 Exercise can be a great tool to help people manage their diabetes. Discussing exercise plans with your doctor is also an important initial step in your diabetes management journey.
- Sleep: Diabetes can have a negative impact on sleep, especially for those living with type 2 diabetes.15 Poor sleep has also been linked to higher blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes.16 Hypoglycemia at night, also called nighttime hypo, can be an issue for people who treat diabetes with insulin. You might wake up and not feel rested or have symptoms like a headache.17 Practicing good sleep hygiene and exploring solutions to any sleep problems you may be experiencing with your doctor can help improve your overall health.
- Insulin and medication: Insulin is a treatment for diabetes you may be the most familiar with, but there are also other medications that help the body regulate glucose as well.18 Insulin is typically self-administered by injection or through a pump.19 Your doctor is the best resource for helping you determine which medication is right for you.
- Technology: Diabetes management innovations like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices such as the Dexcom G6 CGM System can help you learn more about your body. Dexcom G6 measures glucose levels in your body and transmits that data to a receiver or smart device* up to every 5 minutes, enabling you to stay on top of your glucose levels on an ongoing basis.†
With a CGM system like Dexcom G6, you can keep track of your glucose levels through the day and night, enabling you to determine what may have caused high and low glucose levels, or take action when they do occur. At night, the Dexcom G6’s Urgent Low Soon alert can warn you up to 20 minutes before a severe hypoglycemic event (glucose level less than 3.1 mmol/L), so you can wake up and take action. When you and your healthcare provider are armed with more data about your health, you can work together to make informed decisions about your habits. - Mental Health: Emotional stress and worry are a normal but difficult part of the diabetes management journey.20 It’s important for everyone to take mental health as seriously as physical health. Learning more about how to manage your mental health can help you face and overcome challenges, helping to make you even stronger in the long run. Cultivate a support network that cares about you and can face those challenges with you.
When It Comes to Living with Diabetes, You’re Never Alone
A diabetes diagnosis does mean making some lifestyle changes. These adjustments can feel isolating. Monitoring diabetes requires constant attention and it’s important to acknowledge that this process can sometimes feel like a big responsibility. Having a support network around you—and knowing the best ways to support yourself—can be essential to both your mental and physical health.
There are plenty of community resources both online and off for those living with diabetes. Sites like diaTribe.org and Diabetes Canada provide tons of helpful information as well as resources like meal planning tools, webinars, blog posts, and podcasts. Diabetes Canada also has D-Camps for kids as well as regional offices where you can find more support. The CGM Blog also aims to provide helpful information on a range of diabetes management topics.
If you’re looking to connect with the diabetes community, you can check out the inspiring stories from our very own Dexcom Warriors. Diabetes Canada also has events and community-building opportunities across the country for people of all ages. Organizations like Connected in Motion and I Challenge Diabetes provide programs for adults and kids living with diabetes to come together for fun outdoor adventure experiences.
There are many ways to take charge of your everyday diabetes management. Technology tools like the Dexcom G6 can make it easier to monitor your glucose levels with a little extra peace of mind. Learn more about how Dexcom G6 can change how you live with diabetes here.
The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health care provider with any questions you may have.
* For a list of compatible devices, visit www.Dexcom.com/compatibility.
† If your glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
† If your glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
1 2022 Diabetes in Canada Backgrounder. Diabetes Canada. 2022. Accessed June 28 2021. https://www.diabetes.ca/DiabetesCanadaWebsite/media/Advocacy-and-Policy/Backgrounder/2022_Backgrounder_Canada_English_1.pdf
2 Type 1 treatment. Diabetes Canada. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.diabetes.ca/en-CA/about-diabetes/type-1/treatment
3 Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Canada. Accessed July 18 2022. https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/type-2
4 Understanding Insulin Resistance. American Diabetes Association. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/insulin-resistance
5 Type 2 diabetes - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. January 20, 2021. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
6 Type 2 treatment. Diabetes Canada. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.diabetes.ca/en-CA/about-diabetes/type-2/treatment
7 All About Your A1C. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed June 27, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/managing-blood-sugar/a1c.html
8 What is diabetes? Diabetes Canada. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/what-is-diabetes
9 Hyperglycemia in diabetes: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. June 27, 2020. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373631
10 Lows and highs of blood sugar. Diabetes Canada. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.diabetes.ca/resources/tools---resources/lows-and-highs-of-blood-sugar
11 Hypoglycemia - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. May 4, 2022. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373685
12 Sherifali D, et. al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Self-Management Education & Support. Can J Diabetes 2018:42(S36–S41). Accessed May 14, 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.006
13 Diabetes management: How lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar. Mayo Clinic. June 6, 2020. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963
14 Blood Sugar and Exercise. American Diabetes Association. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/fitness/getting-started-safely/blood-glucose-and-exercise
15 Zhu B, et. al. Relationship between sleep disturbance and self-care in adults with type 2 diabetes. Acta Diabetol. 2018 Sep;55(9):963-970. Accessed May 14, 2022. doi: 0.1007/s00592-018-1181-4
16 Iyegha ID, et. al. Associations between poor sleep and glucose intolerance in prediabetes. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2019 Dec;110:104444. Accessed May 14, 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104444
17 Nocturnal Hypoglycemia - Night Time Hypo. Diabetes.co.uk. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/nocturnal-hypoglycemia.html
18 Getting started with insulin. Diabetes Canada. Accessed July 18, 2020. https://www.diabetes.ca/en-CA/about-diabetes/diabetes-management/getting-started-with-insulin
19 Multiple Daily Injections vs Insulin Pumps. Diabetes.co.uk. January 15 2019. Updated January 7, 2022. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/insulin/mdi-vs-insulin-pumps.html
20 Mental health issues. Diabetes Canada. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.diabetes.ca/managing-my-diabetes/preventing-complications/mental-health-issues
2 Type 1 treatment. Diabetes Canada. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.diabetes.ca/en-CA/about-diabetes/type-1/treatment
3 Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Canada. Accessed July 18 2022. https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/type-2
4 Understanding Insulin Resistance. American Diabetes Association. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/insulin-resistance
5 Type 2 diabetes - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. January 20, 2021. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
6 Type 2 treatment. Diabetes Canada. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.diabetes.ca/en-CA/about-diabetes/type-2/treatment
7 All About Your A1C. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed June 27, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/managing-blood-sugar/a1c.html
8 What is diabetes? Diabetes Canada. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/what-is-diabetes
9 Hyperglycemia in diabetes: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. June 27, 2020. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373631
10 Lows and highs of blood sugar. Diabetes Canada. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.diabetes.ca/resources/tools---resources/lows-and-highs-of-blood-sugar
11 Hypoglycemia - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. May 4, 2022. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373685
12 Sherifali D, et. al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Self-Management Education & Support. Can J Diabetes 2018:42(S36–S41). Accessed May 14, 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.006
13 Diabetes management: How lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar. Mayo Clinic. June 6, 2020. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963
14 Blood Sugar and Exercise. American Diabetes Association. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/fitness/getting-started-safely/blood-glucose-and-exercise
15 Zhu B, et. al. Relationship between sleep disturbance and self-care in adults with type 2 diabetes. Acta Diabetol. 2018 Sep;55(9):963-970. Accessed May 14, 2022. doi: 0.1007/s00592-018-1181-4
16 Iyegha ID, et. al. Associations between poor sleep and glucose intolerance in prediabetes. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2019 Dec;110:104444. Accessed May 14, 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104444
17 Nocturnal Hypoglycemia - Night Time Hypo. Diabetes.co.uk. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/nocturnal-hypoglycemia.html
18 Getting started with insulin. Diabetes Canada. Accessed July 18, 2020. https://www.diabetes.ca/en-CA/about-diabetes/diabetes-management/getting-started-with-insulin
19 Multiple Daily Injections vs Insulin Pumps. Diabetes.co.uk. January 15 2019. Updated January 7, 2022. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/insulin/mdi-vs-insulin-pumps.html
20 Mental health issues. Diabetes Canada. Accessed May 14, 2022. https://www.diabetes.ca/managing-my-diabetes/preventing-complications/mental-health-issues