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22TRIDENT, NOVEMBER 1, 2004Type 2 diabetes: A growing epidemic!By Heather Robinson, BN RN CDE& Kathleen Bayliss-Byrne, P.Dt CDEDiabetes is a worldwide publichealth issue that has reachedepidemic proportions. Of the 14million Canadians over the age of40, more than 2.5 million are at riskfor developing this chronic conditionknown as type 2 diabetes. Highblood sugars may be the result of aninadequate supply of insulin, aninability to use insulin effectively(insulin resistance) or secondary toanother medical condition.See if you are at risk for developingthis chronic condition. If youcheck any of the following boxesyou should be tested for diabetes!❑ I have a parent, brother or sisterwith diabetes❑ I am a member of a high riskgroup (Aboriginal, Hispanic,Asian, South Asian orAfrican descent)❑ I gave birth to a baby thatweighed over 4 Kg (9 lbs)at birth❑ I had Gestational Diabetes(diabetes during pregnancy)❑ I have been told I have impairedfasting glucose (IFG) orimpaired glucose tolerance (IGT)❑ I have high blood pressure❑ I have high cholesterol or otherfats in my blood❑ I am overweight (especially ifyou carry most of your weightaround the middle)❑ I have been diagnosed with anyof the following conditions:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,Acanthosis nigricans(darkened patches of skin),SchizophreniaRecognize these signs? Signs andsymptoms of diabetes include:• Unusual thirst• Frequent urination• Weight change• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy• Blurred vision• Frequent or recurring infections• Cuts and bruises that are slowto heal• Tingling or numbness in handsor feet• Trouble getting and/ormaintaining an erectionMore than 2.5million are at riskfor developing thischronic condition.Type 2 diabetes is characterized byhigher than normal fasting glucose orsugars (>7 mmol) in the blood. Ahormoneknown as insulin maintainsnormal blood sugars (4-6 mmol).High blood sugars may be the resultof an inadequate supply of insulin, aninability to use insulin effectively(insulin resistance) or secondary toanother medical condition.Management of diabetes includescreating the balance between regularexercise and healthy eating andwhen necessary taking medicationsor insulin as prescribed. Lifestylemanagement can go a long waytowards reducing your risk for complicationsof diabetes.High Blood Sugars may lead tothe following complications:• Heart disease• Eye disease• Kidney disease• Nerve damage• Problems with feet• Problems with erection(impotence)If you have been experiencing anyof the signs and symptoms of diabetesor have identified yourself as aperson at risk for diabetes, pleasemake an appointment with your doctorfor further investigation.The Canadian Health ServicesCentre (Atlantic) has a DiabetesEducation Centre (DEC) on base.This includes individual assessmentsand group education programs.Please ask your doctor torefer you if you have been diagnosedwith diabetes or pre-diabetes (IFG orIGT). These services are availablefor RCMP or military members only.Any questions can be forwardedto the Diabetes Education Team atStadacona Base hospital. Core teammembers include: Nurses - GuillaineMartin (local 8847), Heather Robinson(local 7860) and Dietitian KathleenBayliss-Byrne (local 8726).Additional Diabetes Team membersinclude:Medical AdvisorPharmacyPhysiotherapyMental Health NurseFor CF family members andDND/NPF civilian employees, additionalinformation is availablethrough the Canadian DiabetesAssociation at (902) 453-4232 orvia the internet at www.diabetes.ca.Oral health is valuableBy Captain Wajahat Khan, SMStJB.Sc., DDS, MBA, M.Ed.(cand.)We work in a profession of healing;that being said we considerourselves to have the bestjob in the Canadian Forces. Our missionis to ensure Canadian Forces(CF) members obtain optimum oralhealth, and the CF Dental Care Planprovides for the best care available.There are not many restrictionson what we can offer our membersin terms of the oral health they needto have a functional and pain freesmile. Smiles are valuable—theyare a sign of happiness and enjoymentof life. The inability to smileor the fear that a smile may showthe effects of disease, are two realitiesthat we frown upon when wediscover them. We work to avoidthese unpleasant situations by consistentlyasking our members toallow us to monitor their state oforal health by attending their annualexams.Despite our best efforts, we findit is a challenge to provide care forall members as many do not takeadvantage of their dental benefitsplan. Many members at CFB Halifaxroutinely avoid their annualSmiles are valuabletheyare a signof happiness andenjoyment of life.exams. On average, slightly over 80per cent of members at CFB Halifaxcame in for their annual exam overthe last three years. This figure forCFB Halifax has consistently beenbelow the CF national average.As a young member of the CF, Ifind it hard to explain to memberswhat they could have done in thepast to avoid the effects of diseasesthat hamper their ability to enjoytheir dentition. To avoid these situationsI have taken the step of writingthis article to invite you toattend your annual exam this year,and allow us to ensure that your oralhealth needs are being addressed.In conveying this message, even ifone person can avoid the harmfuleffects of oral diseases, we willsleep a lot better at night.We hope to see you all soon.Please give us a call at Stadaconaextension 8960 or Shearwaterextension 1096. Sanitas in ore!LAWYERS - AVOCATSService en françaisCriminal DefenceMilitary LawFamily Law/DivorceHouse Purchase & Sale(DND Rates honoured)[902] 492•7000After hours call:Tom Singleton 483-3080Karen MacDonald 221-6290Heather MacDonald 221-6291SINGLETON & ASSOCIATESFees reduced 25%for CF Members