Understanding type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes reflects insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Over time, high glucose damages blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and the heart—so treatment aims at both numbers and overall cardiovascular risk.
Home monitoring: who needs what
Not everyone requires daily fingersticks. Many people use periodic fasting glucose or A1c trends from the lab; some benefit from structured self-monitoring or continuous glucose monitors when clinically appropriate. Ask your clinician what pattern fits your therapy—targets are individualized. Diabetes Canada publishes patient resources on nutrition, activity, and medications.
Labs you will see
A1c reflects average glucose over roughly three months. Kidney function (eGFR, urine albumin), lipids, and blood pressure are tracked because diabetes raises cardiovascular and renal risk. Foot checks and eye screening intervals follow your risk profile.
Lifestyle foundations
Balanced meals with attention to refined carbohydrates, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and smoking cessation all improve glucose and blood pressure. Dietitian referral can help when available.
When to seek help urgently
Very high glucose with vomiting, confusion, severe dehydration, or fruity breath can signal an emergency—seek immediate care. Between visits, report frequent hypoglycemia or new numbness, wounds, or vision changes promptly.
Partner with your team
Bring your meter or CGM downloads, keep an updated medication list, and discuss barriers (cost, side effects) openly—your primary care clinic coordinates with pharmacy and specialists when needed.
Written by Dr. Payman Shahabi
Head of Family Medicine
Dr. Payman Shahabi, MD, PhD, CCFP, leads family medicine at Trita. He is a family physician and hospitalist, faculty in the Department of Family Medicine at McGill University, with a PhD in personalized medicine and pharmacogenetics and residency training at Université Laval. His practice emphasizes continuity, prevention, and evidence-based care.
