Dr. Lorraine Lipscombe, director of the Centre for Integrated Diabetes Care at Women’s College Hospital, discusses how lifestyle changes can help manage prediabetes and delay or even prevent the progression to Type 2 diabetes.
diabetes
Out-of-pocket medical expenses create a health gap for diabetes patients
For many patients, diabetes is more than a chronic health issue. It’s also a chronic financial issue. Patients are responsible for costs such as medication, blood glucose testing meters, test strips and insulin pumps. A 2011 report from the Canadian Diabetes Association notes that on average, Canadians with diabetes spend […]
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Tagged diabetes, health gap
Gestational diabetes is an early sign of Type 2 diabetes risk
Gestational diabetes arises in certain women who cannot overcome the insulin resistance that develops during pregnancy. In most cases, the condition goes away after the baby is delivered. However, women who have gestational diabetes have increased risks of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. It’s important to note that […]
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Tagged diabetes, heart health, pregnancy
Gestational diabetes: high blood sugar in pregnancy
Gestational diabetes affects about six per cent of pregnancies in Canada. Like type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes is a condition in which the body has trouble making or using a hormone called insulin, which is produced in the pancreas. Insulin controls blood sugar levels, so insufficient insulin can lead to […]
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Tagged diabetes, heart health, pregnancy
Exercise as medicine
When cardiologist Dr. Paula Harvey, director of the cardiovascular research program at Women’s College Hospital, says that exercise is medicine, it’s not just a clever reminder that physical activity is good for you. Research has shown that exercise is a powerful therapy that can help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and […]
Why diabetes is a greater heart health risk for women than men
Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease in both men and women. However, it has a greater impact on women’s heart health than men’s. “Diabetes appears to be a stronger risk factor for cardiovascular events in women than in men,” says endocrinologist Dr. Lorraine Lipscombe, director of the […]
Building better balance
Balance is what makes it possible to stand, walk and move without falling. It’s essential for mobility and for fall prevention, and is a key element of fitness. “Balance depends on the complex interplay of vision, the vestibular system – that’s your inner ear – and the joints, muscles and […]
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Tagged chronic conditions, exercise, fall prevention, Fitness
Taking fall prevention outside
Falls aren’t just a major cause of injury. They can also result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, disability and even death. In fact, one-third of all hospital admissions for injuries are fall-related. The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that falls result in $2 billion per year in direct healthcare […]
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Tagged chronic conditions, exercise, fall prevention, Fitness
Tips for older adults and people with health issues who want to start an exercise program
Adopting a healthier lifestyle and getting more fit is a great goal for anyone, including older adults and people with health issues. However, it’s recommended for some individuals to get clearance from their doctor before starting an exercise program. These include people with chronic conditions, people over age 65 and […]
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Tagged chronic conditions, exercise, Fitness
Tips for choosing a fitness activity
Although the options seem endless, finding an exercise program that you can stick with can be challenging. When choosing a fitness activity, keeping a few factors in mind can help you develop a routine that works. Ananya Banerjee, PhD, a registered kinesiologist with the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative at Women’s […]
Being more active and getting fitter: starting from scratch
For someone who has been inactive for a while – maybe even for years – adopting a more active lifestyle can seem like a challenging ambition. Setting attainable goals and making small, incremental changes makes becoming more active achievable. The big goal is to meet the Canadian Society for Exercise […]
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Articles
For many patients, diabetes is more than a chronic health issue. It’s also a chronic financial issue. Patients are responsible for costs such as medication, blood glucose testing meters, test strips and insulin pumps. A 2011 report from the Canadian Diabetes Association notes that on average, Canadians with diabetes spend […]
Recipes
Makes 2 servings This elegant supper for two is simplicity itself. The entire meal is prepared in a steamer and ready in 15 minutes. 1 cup small new red potatoes, quartered 250 mL 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch (25 cm) pieces 250 mL 2 4-oz (125 g) fish […]
Fitness
Exercise as medicine
Jul. 19, 2016
When cardiologist Dr. Paula Harvey, director of the cardiovascular research program at Women’s College Hospital, says that exercise is medicine, it’s not just a clever reminder that physical activity is good for you. Research has shown that exercise is a powerful therapy that can help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and […]
Quizzes
Diabetes affects approximately five to 10 per cent of Canadians. Take this quiz to learn more about this chronic condition, and its impact on women.