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Managing Diabetes

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Get to know your ABC's A1C Blood pressure Cholesterol

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Managing Diabetes with our Pharmacist

Manage your Diabetes - Your Pharmacist Can Help

If you have diabetes, living with this condition requires consistent care and a clear understanding of your health. Our pharmacist can play a vital role in supporting you every step of the way. Here’s how we can help.

  • Blood glucose monitoring tips
  • Treatment options
  • Managing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Routine medication check-up
  • Lifestyle and nutrition tips

At select locations we have Pharmacists who are certified diabetes educators (CDE). They can support you throughout your lifelong journey with diabetes.

 

What is Prediabetes?

Almost 6 million Canadians have prediabetes, and many of them don’t know that they have it. Prediabetes refers to blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. If left unmanaged, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes – but there are multiple ways to prevent this and change your future. Know your risks - see your pharmacist for a personalized risk assessment.

Managing Diabetes: Know your ABC’s Managing these key factors can help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke

A: A1C

What is it:

A1C gives an estimate of your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 3 months.

Why it matters:

High A1c levels can mean your blood sugar is frequently above normal. This can damage blood vessels and organs over time, leading to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can cause heart attack and stroke.

What to aim for:

Many people with diabetes aim for A1C of less than 7% but is individualized based on age and other health conditions. See your doctor for your specific target.

How to manage:

Regular physical activity, balanced eating, and taking medications as prescribed. Daily monitoring of blood sugar can also help you stay on track. See your pharmacist for advice and a blood glucose monitor recommendation.

B: Blood Pressure

What is it:

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps blood around the body.

Why it matters:

People with diabetes are more prone to high blood pressure, which can strain your heart and blood vessels. Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems.

What to aim for:

A common target is under 130/80mmHg for people with diabetes. However, your primary healthcare provider may set a different goal based on your overall health.

How to manage:

Regular monitoring, reducing salt intake, maintaining healthy weight, adherence to blood pressure lowering medications.

C: Cholesterol

What is it:

A fat-like substance made in the liver that forms new cells. Cholesterol has three components: LDL “Bad” Cholesterol, HDL “good” Cholesterol and Triglycerides.

Why it matters:

People with diabetes often have a higher risk of heart disease. LDL can build up in arteries, leading to blockages that can raise the risk of heart attack and strokes.

HDL helps remove excess LDL from the bloodstream. High triglycerides can lead to fatty deposits in artery walls, contributing to heart disease. Controlling LDL and Triglycerides are essential to lowering risk

What to aim for:

LDL Cholesterol: < 2.0mmol/L*
Triglyceride: < 150mg/dl*

*Or as directed by your primary healthcare provider.

How to manage:

Regular monitoring, reducing salt intake, maintaining healthy weight, adherence to blood pressure lowering medications.

Know your ABC’s Summary

Lifestyle Choices: A nutritious diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight help control A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Medication Adherence: Take your medications exactly as prescribed and discuss any side effects or concerns with your healthcare team.

Routine Check-Ups: Schedule regular appointments to check your A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Early adjustments can prevent serious complications.

Team Approach: Work closely with doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. They can help you understand your targets, adjust your treatment plan, and monitor your progress.

Manage your diabetes with confidence with the Dexcom G7 real-time Continuous Glucose Monitoring (rtCGM) system

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Dexcom G7 delivers real-time glucose numbers to your smartphone† or smart watch‡ — no routine fingersticks required.*

See why Canadians have made Dexcom G7 the #1 patient recommended CGM system§,2

  • Make confident decisions with the most accurate CGM system in Canada¶,1
  • Proven to lower A1C, reduce hypoglycemic events, and keep your glucose in range so you can reach your goals3-7
  • Only Dexcom CGM has a predictive alert that can notify you before you go too low

Put away the routine fingerpricks* and try Dexcom G7 for free.#

* Fingersticks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
† Smart devices sold separately. For a list of compatible devices, please visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
‡ Compatible smartphone is required to pair a new Dexcom G7 sensor with a compatible Apple Watch. To use Share/Follow the smartphone must be within 10 meters (33 feet) of the Dexcom G7.
§ Based on a comparison in NPS scores across major CGM brands in Canada.
¶ When compared with CGM systems commercially available in Canada as of March 2024.
# For people with T1 & T2 diabetes on insulin, new customers only. Conditions apply. Visit dexcom.com for more information.
1 Dexcom, data on file, 2024.
2 dQ&A, Canada Diabetes Connections Patient Panel Report, H1 2024.
3 Beck RW, et al. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378.
4 Beck RW, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(6):365-374.
5 Martens T, et al. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272.
6 Laffel LM, et al. JAMA. 2020;323(23):2388-2396.
7 Welsh JB, et al. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2024;18(1):143-7.

Dexcom and Dexcom G7 are registered trademarks of Dexcom, Inc. in the U.S., and may be registered in other countries. © 2025 Dexcom Canada, Co. All rights reserved. MAT-8044 V1.0

Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG)

Self-monitoring of blood glucose is an important part of diabetes management. Many people think they can tell what their blood sugar is by how they feel. Some people can feel "high" when their blood sugar is low, and some can feel "low" when their blood sugar is normal or high. The only way to know for sure is to test your blood sugar. Testing also lets you see how behaviour like exercise or overeating affects blood sugar.

Educating yourself about the types of testing you should be doing, how often you should be doing them, and adopting a "take-charge" attitude towards managing your diabetes can help you stay healthy.

CONTOUR®NEXT GEN blood glucose monitoring system. Remarkably easy-to-use and high accuracy1 - the features you want from a meter.

Product Features:

  • Easy to use
  • High accuracy1
  • smartLIGHT for easier understanding of blood glucose levels2
  • Can save test strips with Second-Chance® Sampling technology3

Get a free CONTOUR®NEXT METER.

Get a free CONTOUR®NEXT meter with the purchase of CONTOUR®NEXT test strips (100’s). Limit 1 per customer. While quantities last. See pharmacist for details.

  1. CONTOUR®NEXT GEN Blood Glucose Monitoring System User Guide, Rev. 02/22.
  2. Ascensia Diabetes Care. Data on file. Smartson online survey, Sweden 2017. 352 respondents: People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, over 18 years old, who tested at least 4-7 times a day. Participants received free meter and tests strips. Survey funded by Ascensia Diabetes Care.
  3. Richardson JM et al. Clinical Relevance of Reapplication of Blood Samples During Blood Glucose Testing. Poster presented at the 20th Annual Diabetes Technology Meeting (DTM); November 12-14, 2020

Manage your diabetes with confidence with the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus real-time glucose monitoring system.

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The world’s smallest sensor¹,² delivers real-time glucose readings right to your smartphone† — no routine finger pricks required.*

Now available for Canadians living with diabetes, including children aged 2 and older, the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus system empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and lifestyle.

Discover the difference with FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus:

  • Small but mighty: The world’s smallest¹,² and thinnest sensor for discreet, comfortable wear.
  • Effortless to apply: Easy, one-piece applicator for a simple sensor experience.⁴
  • Accurate and consistent readings: Proven accuracy¹ for confident treatment decisions.
  • Stay connected: Share glucose readings with caregivers and healthcare professionals through the LibreLinkUp and LibreView apps.
  • Extended insight: 15-day sensor duration with the longest data storage⁵ — helping you and your care team stay informed every step of the way.

Empower your diabetes journey:

Tracking glucose regularly gives you the information you need to make informed choices about nutrition, exercise, and treatment — helping you stay in your personalized target range and avoid long-term health complications.

With FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, diabetes self-management has never been more convenient.

Talk to a Save-On-Foods Pharmacist about trying the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus system today.

1. Among patient-applied sensors.
2. Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc.
3. Fokkert, M. BMJ Open Diab Res Care (2019). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000809.
4. Alva, S. Diabetes Therapy (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-023-01385-6
5. Data on File. Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc. Based on data storage in Dexcom G7 CGM User Guide and Medtronic Guardian Connect System User Guide.
*The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in people aged 4 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.
†Smart devices sold separately. For a list of compatible devices, please visit freestyle.abbott/en-ca/compatibility.
6. For people with diabetes who meet the eligibility criteria of the respective programs. For more information on public coverage, visit: https://www.freestyle.abbott/en-ca/cost-and-coverage.html.
7. Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care, Abbott Laboratories Co. For patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Coverage criteria may vary. FreeStyle Libre, LibreLinkUp, and LibreView are trademarks of Abbott and its related companies. © 2025 Abbott. All rights reserved.

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