Question 1

What should my blood sugar target be?

Accepted Answer

Your blood sugar targets should be personalized with your health-care provider. For most adults with diabetes, typical targets are:
•	A1C: 7.0% or less
•	Before meals (fasting): 4.0 to 7.0 mmol/L
•	Two hours after meals: 5.0 to 10.0 mmol/L
Your targets may vary depending on your age, health conditions, medications, and risk of low blood sugar.

Question 2

Can I still eat sweets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. People with diabetes can still enjoy sweets in moderation. The key is managing portion sizes and balancing carbohydrate intake throughout the day. Foods such as candy, desserts, sweetened beverages, jam, and honey can raise blood sugar, so they should be limited and incorporated into an overall healthy eating plan.

Question 3

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Accepted Answer

What to do depends on the medication you are taking. Some medications can be taken when remembered, while others should be skipped if it is close to your next dose. Do not double up on a dose unless instructed by your health-care provider. If you're unsure, contact your pharmacist or prescriber.

Question 4

What are the side effects of my medication?

Accepted Answer

Side effects vary depending on the medication. Common side effects of diabetes medications can include:
•	Nausea
•	Diarrhea
•	Constipation
•	Stomach upset
•	Low blood sugar (with some medications)
•	Weight changes
Always review the information provided with your medication and speak with your pharmacist or health-care provider if you experience side effects or have concerns.

Question 5

How do I treat low blood sugar?

Accepted Answer

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) occurs when your blood sugar falls below 3.9 mmol/L.
If you are able to swallow:
1.	Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate:
o	15 g glucose tablets
o	½ cup (125 mL) juice
o	½ cup (125 mL) regular soft drink
o	1 tablespoon honey
2.	Wait 15 minutes and recheck your blood sugar.
3.	If it is still below 3.9 mmol/L, repeat the treatment.
4.	Once normalized, eat a meal or snack if your next meal is more than an hour away.
If someone is unconscious or unable to swallow, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

Question 6

How can I lose weight safely?

Accepted Answer

Safe weight loss focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes:
•	Eat balanced meals and control portions.
•	Increase physical activity.
•	Choose high-fibre foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.
•	Limit highly processed foods and sugary beverages.
•	Work with a dietitian or health-care provider to develop a personalized plan.
Even losing 5% to 10% of your body weight can improve blood sugar management and overall health.

Question 7

Do I need to check my blood sugar every day?

Accepted Answer

Not everyone needs to check blood sugar at the same frequency. How often you test depends on:
•	Your type of diabetes
•	The medications you take
•	Whether you use insulin
•	Your treatment goals
Your health-care provider can advise how often you should monitor your blood sugar.

Question 8

Can diabetes be reversed?

Accepted Answer

Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be reversed and requires insulin therapy.
Some people with Type 2 diabetes may achieve remission through significant weight loss, lifestyle changes, or other treatments. Remission means blood sugar levels return to a non-diabetes range, but ongoing monitoring and follow-up are still required.

Question 9

What are GLP-1 medications and are they right for me?

Accepted Answer

GLP-1 medications are a class of drugs used to help manage Type 2 diabetes. They may:
•	Help your body release insulin when needed
•	Lower blood sugar levels
•	Reduce appetite
•	Support weight loss
•	Slow stomach emptying
Whether a GLP-1 medication is right for you depends on your health history, current medications, treatment goals, and medical needs. Speak with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist.

Question 10

How and when should I take my diabetes medication?

Accepted Answer

Always take your medication exactly as prescribed. Some medications are taken:
•	With meals
•	Before meals
•	Once daily
•	Weekly
Your pharmacist can help explain the best timing and provide tips to help you remember your doses.

Question 11

Will I need insulin?

Accepted Answer

Everyone with Type 1 diabetes requires insulin.
People with Type 2 diabetes may need insulin if:
•	Blood sugar is not controlled with other medications
•	Their body's insulin production decreases over time
•	Their health-care provider determines insulin is the most effective treatment
Starting insulin is a normal part of diabetes management for many people.

Question 12

Can I stop taking my medication if my blood sugar improves?

Accepted Answer

No. Never stop or change your medication without first speaking to your health-care provider.
Improved blood sugar levels may be the result of your medication working effectively. Your provider can determine if changes to your treatment plan are appropriate.

Question 13

How do GLP-1 medications (Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, etc.) work?

Accepted Answer

GLP-1 medications work by:
•	Increasing insulin release when blood sugar is high
•	Reducing the amount of glucose released by the liver
•	Slowing stomach emptying
•	Increasing feelings of fullness
These effects can help improve blood sugar control and may support weight loss. Individual results vary, and these medications should only be used under the guidance of a health-care professional.

Question 14

What is diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body uses glucose, or sugar, for energy. It occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This can cause sugar to build up in the blood. Diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, insulin, or a combination of treatments, depending on the type of diabetes and your individual needs.

Question 15

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes symptoms can include:
•	Increased thirst
•	Frequent urination
•	Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
•	Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
•	Blurred vision
•	Frequent or recurring infections
•	Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
•	Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Some people with diabetes or prediabetes may not experience any noticeable symptoms. Speak with a health-care provider if you have symptoms or are concerned about your risk of diabetes.

Question 16

What causes diabetes?

Accepted Answer

The cause of diabetes depends on the type:
•	Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
•	Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively or does not produce enough insulin.
•	Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet its increased needs.
Genetics, health history and environmental factors may also contribute to the development of diabetes.

Question 17

What is Type 2 diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively or does not produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar within a healthy range. It may be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, insulin, or a combination of treatments. Your health-care provider can help develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

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