Program Details
Eligibility and Referrals
- Physician and healthcare provider referrals accepted
- Self-referrals are welcome
- All patients must have a booked appointment
Preparing for Your Appointment
- Bring your Ontario Health Card (OHIP)
- Logbook and glucose meter
- Current medication and insulin list
- Any questions you may have
- You are encouraged to bring a family member or support person
Why Self-Refer?
Pre-diabetes is diagnosed when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that some long-term complications related to diabetes (heart disease and nerve damage) can begin during pre-diabetes.
Pre-Diabetes Diagnostic Criteria
- Test 1: Fasting Blood Glucose – 6.1 to 6.9 mmol/L (Normal: 3.5 to 6)
- Test 2: Random Glucose (2 hours post-meal) – 7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L (Normal: <7.8)
- Test 3: A1C (average blood sugar over 3 months) – 6.0% to 6.4% (Normal: 4% to 6%)
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
Diabetes is a serious condition and is increasing worldwide. In Canada, the prevalence is estimated to be 6.8% of the population. Some people are at higher risk of developing diabetes due to their family history and their ethnic background. Others are at higher risk because of their lifestyle choices.
The good news is we now have research that shows us that Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed if you find out early and make some lifestyle changes.
Risk Factors for Type 2 diabetes
- Over the age of 40
- First-degree relative with type 2 diabetes (i.e. mother, father, brother, sister, etc.)
- Member of a high-risk population (i.e. Aboriginal, African, Asian, Hispanic or South Asian descent)
- History of gestational diabetes or have delivered a large baby (i.e. over 9 lbs)
- Pre-diabetes
- Complications associated with diabetes (i.e. eye, kidney or nerve damage)
- Cardiovascular complications (i.e. heart attack, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease)
- High cholesterol or high triglycerides
- High blood pressure
- Overweight, especially around your waist
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Steroid medications for other diseases
