Staying Healthy with Diabetes

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are serious conditions, and can lead to the same complications; however you can do many things to stay well. The important first steps are to:

• Eat according to a healthy meal plan
• Increase your physical activity
• Learn as much as possible about diabetes

The Dell Diabetes Care Program involves a team of pharmacists and technicians committed to helping people manage their diabetes to improve health outcomes and quality of life. Our pharmacists have participated in specialized diabetes education programs and provide ongoing education and support to help clients better manage their diabetes while our technicians are specially trained to provide training on the use of blood glucose monitors.

A blood glucose monitor is one of the most effective tools to help you monitor and record your blood glucose levels and provide you and your healthcare team with information to make changes to your meal plan, physical activity or medications to improve your blood glucose levels.

Osteoporosis - Are You At Risk?

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone that leads to increased risk of fracture (broken bones), particularly the hip, spine and wrist.

You can lower your risk of osteoporosis by: knowing your risk factors and changing the ones you can; getting the calcium you need (adults need 1000 mg/day and over the age of 50 Osteoporosis Canada (OC)_ recommends 1500 mg); getting enough Vitamin D to help you absorb your calcium (OC recommends 400 IU/day and 800 IUs for those over 50); including regular weight-bearing exercise in your life (eg; walking, dancing or raquet sports); quitting smoking; and if you are over 50, talking to your pharmacist or doctor about risk factors for osteoporosis. If you have 1 major or 2 minor risk factors, or you're over 65, a bone density test is recommended.

For more information about diabetes or osteoporosis ask your Dell Pharmacist!