November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Did you know that among people in Canada, 30% live with diabetes or prediabetes?

And that diabetes contributes to:

• 30% of strokes
• leading cause of blindness
• 40% of heart attacks
• 50% of kidney failure requiring dialysis
• 70% of all nontraumatic leg and foot amputations

With a predicted 26% increase in type 1 and type 2 diabetes (diagnosed and undiagnosed) from 2024 to 2034, there is a significant need for high-quality diabetes care. Diabetes management involves a multidisciplinary team, including Registered Nurses, Dietitians, Exercise Specialists and Certified Diabetes Educators to empower patients with knowledge for self-management.

More specifically, Registered Nurses and Certified Diabetes Educators can:

• provide patients with clear, tailored information about what type 2 diabetes is, along with guidance on lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating, exercise and weight control.
• conduct assessments like blood glucose testing, blood pressure monitoring, and BMI calculation.
• help with continuous monitoring and screening required for chronic disease management – tracking HbA1c levels, cholesterol, blood pressure and weight and conducting annual foot assessments.
• identify early signs of complications and recommend referrals to dietitians, endocrinologists, podiatrists, and ophthalmologists.
• provide education about each medication’s purpose and side effects, as well as monitor for adherence.
• offer medication and treatment recommendations based on Diabetes Canada Practice Guidelines as well as recent evidence-based research.

Furthermore, 33-50% of people living with diabetes experience diabetes distress (an overwhelming feeling about their condition that can lead to unhealthy habits like not checking their blood sugar or skipping medical appointments, etc.) Managing a chronic disease like diabetes can take a toll on mental health. Primary care nurses offer:

• Emotional support for patients coping with a new diagnosis or ongoing challenges
• Motivational interviewing techniques to encourage behaviour change
• Referrals to counselling or diabetes support groups when necessary.

Because nurses can spend more time with patients during routine appointments, they can build trusting relationships and reinforce key messages. Their frequent patient contact makes them ideal for catching early warning signs and ensuring timely interventions. Primary care nurses are at the forefront of managing type 2 diabetes in the community. Through education, support, and clinical expertise, they empower patients to take control of their condition and lead healthier lives. As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise, their role becomes ever more essential in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

If you would like to see a PCN Registered Nurse for diabetes or prediabetes support, please ask your primary care provider for a referral.