If left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety of complications, including:
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Eye disease
Problems with erection (impotence)
Nerve damage

The first step in avoiding the onset of these complications is recognizing the risk factors, as well as signs and symptoms that may indicate you have diabetes. Careful management of diabetes, for those living with it, can delay or even prevent complications.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes include the following:

• Unusual thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight change (gain or loss)
• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
• Blurred vision
• Frequent or recurring infections
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Trouble getting or maintaining an erection
• It is important to recognize, however, that many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms.

Early diagnosis of diabetes is extremely important. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed, the sooner steps can be taken to manage it and prevent or delay complications. The Canadian Diabetes Association 2003 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada recommend routine screening every three years for everyone age 40 or older and screening every year for individuals with other risk factors.

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 condition. A healthy meal plan, weight control, physical activity and stress reduction are important prevention steps.

Today, more than ever before, people with diabetes can expect to live active, independent and vital lives if they make a lifelong commitment to careful diabetes management.

Diabetes is managed in the following ways:

• Education: Diabetes education is an important first step. All people with diabetes need to learn about their condition in order to make healthy lifestyle choices and manage their diabetes.
• Physical Activity: Regular physical activity helps your body lower blood glucose levels, promotes weight loss, reduces stress and enhances overall fitness.
• Nutrition: What, when and how much you eat all play an important role in regulating how well your body manages blood glucose levels.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important in the management of type 2 diabetes.
• Medication: Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin.Type 2 diabetes is managed through physical activity and meal planning and may require medications and/or insulin to assist your body in making or using insulin more effectively.
• Lifestyle Management: Learning to reduce stress levels in day-to-day life can help people with diabetes better manage their disease.
• Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can lead to eye disease, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, so people with diabetes should try to maintain a blood pressure at or below 130/80.To do this, you may need to change your eating and physical activity habits and/or take medication.