To understand diabetes, you have to understand how the body digests food. Normally, eating triggers the pancreas to send out the right amount of insulin, so the body can convert the glucose in the food we eat into energy. This doesn’t happen in people with diabetes. In some forms of diabetes, the body doesn’t produce any insulin at all or produces so little that it can’t do its job. This is referred to as type 1 diabetes. In other cases, the body produces insulin but is unable to use it properly. This is called type 2 diabetes.

When glucose can’t enter the cells, it builds up in the blood. Eventually it flows into the urine and passes out of the body, depriving cells of their main source of fuel.

Type 1 diabetes affects about 5% to 10% of people with diabetes, and it is usually diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. Type 1 must be controlled with insulin injections in addition to meal plans and a program of regular activity.

Type 2 diabetes is responsible for about 90% of all cases of diabetes. Although it is most often diagnosed in people age 40 and over, it is becoming more common in younger people, possibly due to the growing number of overweight children. It can usually be controlled with a combination of diet, exercise, and oral medication; however, some people need insulin injections to control their blood sugar levels.

Gestational diabetes, also known as diabetes of pregnancy, happens in about 3% to 4% of pregnancies, and it can be harmful to both the mother and baby if it is not controlled. It usually disappears after the baby is born, but having gestational diabetes increases a woman’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Diabetes Meter Training


At Sparkle Pharmacy, pharmacists, technicians, and pharmacy students are trained on many blood glucose meters in order to assist patients in choosing the best meter for their needs. Appointments are encouraged and made a priority, but walk-ins are accepted based on time availability.

One Touch

The One Touch Meter with its Blood Sugar Mentor™ feature gives you personalized guidance, insight, and encouragement so you can take action to help avoid highs and lows.

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Accu-Check

The Accu-Chek Guide system is designed to reduce. the hassle of everyday blood glucose testing. Used with the mySugr app. Trusted by more than 2 million registered users.

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Freestyle Libre

The FreeStyle Libre reader harnesses advanced sensor-based technology to read glucose data, then instantly displays the data in a meaningful, user-friendly way.

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MedsCheck


An annual MedsCheck for Ontarians diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and is taking medications for this condition. The requirement of taking 3 or more chronic prescription medications is not included in the program criteria. Patients are also eligible for multiple Diabetes Education follow-up consultations throughout the year in order to support diabetes management including insulin education, blood glucose meters and test strips, diabetic supplies, sharps disposal and diet/lifestyle management.

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