Life should always be sweeter than sugar

Small Choices Prevent Big Effects Tomorrow — Choose Health Over Sugar

 Every year, World Diabetes Day reminds us how awareness, prevention, and care can make all the difference. Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges worldwide — but with the right knowledge and habits, it can often be prevented or well-managed.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your body can’t properly use or produce insulin — the hormone that helps move sugar (glucose) from your blood into your cells for energy.When sugar builds up in your bloodstream, it can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs over time.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells. Usually diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood. Requires insulin treatment.

• Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form. The body still makes insulin but doesn’t use it effectively. Often linked to diet, inactivity, or being overweight — but it’s largely preventable with lifestyle changes

• Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after birth, but increases the risk of developing Type 2 later.

What Is “Pre-Diabetes”?

Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes.This stage is a critical warning sign — and the best time to take action.With the right choices, you can reverse pre-diabetes and protect your long-term health.

How to Prevent Diabetes

• Choose water over sugary drinks.

• Eat more whole foods — vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.

• Stay active — even 30 minutes a day can make a big difference.

• Maintain a healthy weight and manage stress.

• Get enough sleep.

• Visit your pharmacist or healthcare provider for blood sugar checks.

Watch Out for Hidden Sugars

Many packaged products — even sauces, cereals, yogurts, and “healthy” snacks — contain added sugars. According to Hopkins Medicine, the easiest way to spot them is to read the food label and check for ingredients ending in “-ose” (like fructose or dextrose) or words like “syrup.” A 2021 study found that more than 60% of packaged foods contain added sugars. (Source: HopkinsMedicine.org)

Tip: “Peel more, unwrap less.”Choose foods that come in their natural peel, not wrapped in plastic. Whole foods like fruits and vegetables don’t hide sugar — processed foods often do.

For more guidance on nutrition and fitness, visit diabetes.ca — the Canadian Diabetes Association provides helpful, science-based tools to support a healthier lifestyle.

⚠️ Important Health Alert

If you like to eat sweets on a regular basis and don’t exercise often, talk to your family doctor about getting a blood test to check your sugar levels.Remember — it’s always better to treat diabetes early, while there’s still time to make a change.

How to Treat Diabetes

If you have diabetes, it can be managed successfully through:

• Blood sugar monitoring

• Medication or insulin as prescribed

• Healthy eating and regular exercise

• Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol

• Regular check-ups with your healthcare team

Education and awareness are key — understanding your condition helps you take control of it.

 Meet Kathe — Your Diabetes Educator

At Yonge + Eglinton Pharmacy, our pharmacist, Kathe, is a Certified Diabetes Educator.She helps patients understand diabetes, monitor their blood sugar, and make the lifestyle choices that matter most. 

Kathe offers free one-on-one consultations to support your care and guide you toward healthier habits — personalized for your life and goals.

Visit us and meet Kathe