For 70-year-old Linda of Otter Point, British Columbia, a daily walk along Whiffin Spit has become a symbol of renewed health and independence. Her story exemplifies the positive impact of evolving type 2 diabetes care, a condition affecting up to 95% of all diabetes cases in Canada. While long considered a chronic and debilitating illness, advancements in treatment are offering new hope and improved quality of life for individuals like Linda, who previously felt limited by the disease’s physical and emotional toll.
Linda, a 70-year-old woman living with type 2 diabetes, finds joy in walking the sandy shores of Whiffin Spit near her home in Otter Point, British Columbia. Recently, she’s been able to walk nearly three miles, sometimes completing the route up to four times in a single outing – a feat that would have seemed impossible just two years ago.
In 2023, Linda struggled with maintaining a healthy weight and rarely left her house. “I stayed home, I didn’t want to go out or do anything,” she recalls. “My weight felt like a prison around me.” She attributes her recent physical and mental transformation to increased access to personalized treatment options and a more comprehensive care plan.
Type 2 diabetes, a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly, accounts for up to 95% of all diabetes cases in Canada. Effective management of type 2 diabetes is crucial, as the condition can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes face not only the challenge of managing high blood sugar levels, but also the risk of developing potentially life-threatening complications.
“We call type 2 diabetes a silent killer,” explains Dr. Akshay Jain, an endocrinologist and researcher practicing in Surrey, British Columbia. “People can live for years without knowing their blood sugar is elevated. But over time, that excess glucose in the blood can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, and nerves, as well as the larger vessels that feed the heart and brain, leading to vision loss, kidney failure, heart attacks, or strokes.”
Beyond the physical complications, type 2 diabetes can also significantly impact mental well-being. “There’s a stigma associated with the diagnosis,” Dr. Jain says. “People look at someone with type 2 diabetes and assume it’s their fault because of poor lifestyle choices, laziness, or a lack of willpower, which can affect the patient’s mental health.”
Following her diagnosis ten years ago, Linda made lifestyle changes, including regular walking, healthier eating, and monitoring her blood glucose. However, managing her condition became increasingly difficult over time.
“For a while, things were going well,” she says. “But I always felt hungry and I regained weight.” Her A1C level – a measure of average blood sugar – also began to rise.
When her long-time physician retired and was replaced, Linda’s treatment plan shifted. She gained access to new tools and a personalized approach tailored to her specific needs.
According to Dr. Jain, “The approach to managing type 2 diabetes is constantly evolving. Scientific advancements have expanded our understanding of the disease, allowing us to better grasp its scientific underpinnings and complexities. While a balanced diet and regular physical activity remain fundamental to diabetes care, these new perspectives have broadened the therapeutic options your healthcare provider can explore with you.”
“With these new approaches, we aim to treat the underlying factors, not just the numbers,” he adds. “The benefits go beyond the figures on a chart. When patients realize they have choices, it gives them hope. That’s incredibly powerful.”
Linda becomes emotional when discussing her ability to enjoy activities she loves once again. She’s walking regularly, exploring nature trails, and spending more time with her children and grandchildren.
“I’ve walked over 4,000 kilometers as part of virtual walking challenges,” she says.
Her new lifestyle has also sparked her creativity. “I’ve started painting and I’ve gotten into nail art,” she says with a laugh. “But most importantly, I feel like I’m becoming myself again. I can go out and feel normal, like I fit in.”
Dr. Jain notes that stories like Linda’s demonstrate the progress being made in diabetes care. “I encourage everyone living with type 2 diabetes to regularly consult with their doctor, as scientific discoveries are emerging at a rapid pace.”
Linda offers a message of encouragement to those newly diagnosed: “Don’t give up. Educate yourself and ask questions. You don’t have to give up the things you love, you just need to find a balance.”
When asked about her outlook for the future, she replies: “I think it will be much healthier and more active,” she says. “Walking, healthy eating, it all goes together. My future looks bright.”
If you are living with type 2 diabetes, discuss ways to optimize your treatment with your doctor.
