Managing diabetes isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. You might be living with diabetes, supporting someone you care about, or learning more about your own risk. Wherever you’re at, having the right support makes a real difference.
At Pharmasave, our pharmacists do more than fill prescriptions. They’re here to help you understand diabetes, manage it day to day, and make confident choices about your health. From answering questions to helping you stay on track with medications and monitoring, you’ll find practical, personalised support close to home.
Diabetes is a serious condition, but with the right care and guidance, it can be managed, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Many Canadians live with prediabetes, often without symptoms.
Think of prediabetes as an early warning. With guidance, healthy eating, regular movement, and small lifestyle changes, many people can delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes.
Early awareness matters, and your pharmacist can help you take the next steps.
Type 1 diabetes happens when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.
About 5-10% of people with diabetes have type 1. It often develops in childhood or early adulthood, but it can appear at any age.
Common signs include:
If you or someone you care about notices these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not use insulin properly or does not make enough of it. This is the most common type, affecting up to 90% of people with diabetes in Canada.
Symptoms can be similar to type 1 diabetes, but they usually appear slowly. Some people have no symptoms at all, which is why screening and early support are so important.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after delivery. It affects between 3-20% of pregnancies, depending on individual risk factors.
Having gestational diabetes can increase the risk of developing diabetes later in life for both parent and child. Early screening, healthy habits, and regular support help protect long‑term health.
The causes of type 1 diabetes are not fully understood. Genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role.
We know much more about the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Your risk may be higher if you:
If you have one or more of the following, you may be at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Want to know more about your personal risk of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes? With a few simple questions, the Canadian Diabetes Risk (CANRISK) calculator will give you a score of your risk level and information on next steps.
There is no routine screening program for type 1 diabetes. Screening for type 2 diabetes, however, is very important because early action can help prevent complications.
Once you turn 40, screening is recommended at least every three years. If you have one or more risk factors, screening may start earlier or happen more often
Fasting plasma glucose (FPG): Measures blood sugar after not eating for eight hours
A1C: Shows your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months
If results are higher than normal, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent testing or further tests to confirm a diagnosis.
How often you test depends on your treatment plan. If you use insulin, you may need to test several times a day. If you do not use insulin, your testing schedule will depend on your medications and personal health needs.
A small drop of blood from your fingertip is used to measure glucose.
A small sensor under the skin tracks glucose levels throughout the day, without regular finger pricks.
Your Pharmasave pharmacist can help you choose the right option and show you how to use it with confidence.
Lifestyle choices matter. Healthy eating and regular movement help manage blood sugar and reduce the risk of complications.
Good eating for diabetes looks a lot like good eating for everyone:
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for managing blood sugar. It works as well as some medications and comes with added benefits like more energy and better sleep.
Aim for:
New to exercise? Start small. Even five to ten minutes at a time helps, and you don’t need a gym membership.
Your local Pharmasave pharmacist is here to support you at every stage, with advice, care, and tools that fit your everyday life.
We can help with:
We also carry a wide range of diabetes care products, including glucose meters, test strips, lancets, foot care items, glucose tablets, moisturizers, and oral health products.
Visit your local Pharmasave and talk with a pharmacist who is ready to help you feel your best.
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