Pre-diabetes is a diagnosis given to people who have elevated levels of blood glucose but have not reached the point of a diabetes diagnosis. It may take years before full-blown diabetes develops, so in some cases it is possible to prevent a full onset. Here are a few steps that everyone can take in the fight against diabetes.

In what’s being touted as the most ambitious collection of health data attempted in North America, the long-term findings of the new Ontario Health Study promise to fundamentally change how common chronic maladies and afflictions in the African-Canadian community are treated.

The importance of fostering diabetes awareness becomes clear when considering the pervasiveness of the disease in urban communities, with areas such as the northwest part of Toronto having some of the highest rates, according to Westin. The BCCHC’s free education program addresses all aspects of diabetes management.

Dealing with diabetes? Then you should know that the holiday season can bring about some challenges. With large helpings of wonderful home cooking, odd meal times and wide assortments of dessert, it can be frustrating to partake while managing your blood glucose levels. Read on to find out how you can have your cake and eat it too.

There is no cure for Type 2 diabetes. However, a low-fat diet, exercise and limited alcohol consumption can keep the disease under control, without large amounts of medication. Also, regularly checking blood sugar levels prevents the disease from worsening.

“The benefits of working with Fit4D coaches for a person living with diabetes are to have their questions answered,” says Fit4D Fitness Coach Josh Gold. “People don’t typically have access to CDEs that readily. The Fit4D Quick Consult, one hour on the phone with a Fit4D coach, gives them confidence, answers questions and can put them at ease while educating on the reality and tapering fears.”

It’s not your imagination: children today are getting heavier. And like many other conditions, childhood obesity tends to affect black children more.

Dr. Miriam Rossi, a professor at the University of Toronto and a former associate dean in its medical school, cites the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey — Nutrition, which looked at weight gain in children and teenagers from 1978 to 1979 and 2004. In that period, the rate of young people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds aged two to 17 classified as overweight or obese grew from 15 per cent to 26 per cent — the number classified as obese, meanwhile, more than doubled to 8 per cent.

In our special health supplement, we connect with black doctors, nutritionists and alternative health specialists to find out specific ways that Black Canadians can improve individual health and wellness. With ailments such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity running rampant throughout our communities, the need for understanding issues related to black health has never been so critical.