Diabetes Health
What is diabetes? A disease where the body cannot metabolize sugars causing high blood sugar levels Diabetes is usually classified as one of the following:
- Type 1 - an autoimmune disease causing the pancreas to no longer produce insulin
- Type 2 - a metabolic disease that causes the pancreas to produces less insulin and the body is not able to use its own insulin efficiently
- Gestational Diabetes - brought on by an increase in hormone levels during pregnancy and is usually temporary
- Pre-Diabetes - Impaired sugar metabolism and at this stage type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented
Our Program
- Diabetes Health Thunder Bay is an education program of St. Joseph’s Care Group. We are a team of Registered Nurses, Dietitians and Social Workers.
- We offer individual and group education on various topics:
- Nutrition and meal planning
- Diabetes medication and insulin management
- Insulin pump training and education
- Diabetes and technology
- Foot care education
- Preventing diabetes complications
- Stress management and coping skills
- We have 3 specialized programs at our clinic:
- Pediatric Program
- Diabetes in Pregnancy Program
- Insulin Pump Management Program
Referral Process: we welcome referrals from primary care practitioners including Nurse Practitioners and Physicians. Individuals can also refer themselves. We do require recent diabetes blood work (HbA1C) with a new referral.
What to bring to your appointments
- Blood glucose monitor and blood sugar records
- List of current medications
Helpful Websites
- For information on diabetes: www.diabetes.ca
- For information on healthy eating: www.unlockfood.ca and https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/
- For information on Type 1 Diabetes: www.jdrf.ca  and www.diabetesatschool.ca
Your Donations
- Go directly to serving clients in Thunder Bay and assist us in improving our programs
- To make a donation please contact St. Joseph’s Foundation at 807-768-4440
