How doctors and patients can work together to manage the effects of Type 2 diabetes

When we talk about Type 2 diabetes, the effects of sweets and carbohydrates on blood sugar are often top of mind. But when B.C. family physician Dr. Zaan Davies has those conversations with patients, she also wants them to think about their heart and kidney health.

While the trio might seem unrelated, they’re actually a prime example of how many of the body’s systems are intertwined.

“I like to talk about the whole basket of care,” Dr. Davies explains. “The most important thing is to empower patients – there’s a lot they can do and there’s a lot we can do together.”

Controlling blood sugar is a good start, as high blood sugar can also damage blood vessels and organs. “However, it’s not the only number we look for,” she says, pointing to common tests like A1C, which show your average blood sugar over about three months.2 Keeping your blood sugar close to your target range can help prevent or delay diabetes complications.2 Everyone is different, your target range may not be the same as someone else’s, so it’s necessary to speak with your diabetes health-care team to determine your target A1C and blood glucose target range.2

Equally important is monitoring your blood pressure. Diabetes can cause hypertension2 which in turn places extra strain on the heart and kidneys. In fact, high blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease. 

Early detection is key to the best results

“We’re a team,” Dr. Davies says, noting that often a combination of lifestyle changes and the right medication provide a powerful one-two punch when it comes to bringing these health risks under control.3,5,5,7,8 “One of the nice things with the available medications is that you get a three-for-one deal, in that they can help with blood sugar, kidney and cardiovascular health,”7,8,19 she says. 

Early screening and diagnosis are key to reducing serious complications from Type 2 diabetes and related conditions, which can all be well-managed, especially when physicians and patients work together.

To support our heart and kidneys while managing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, “the most important thing is lifestyle,”6Dr. Davies says.


A healthy diet of lean proteins, rich in whole grains and a rainbow of fruits and vegetables 
Staying hydrated is key for our kidneys, Dr. Davies notes, reminding people that coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks act as diuretics. Water is the best choice for supporting kidney function.13
Exercise is not only good for burning those extra calories, but also crucial for cardiovascular health, including cholesterol and blood pressure, muscle retention, stress reduction and overall mental health. And thanks to YouTube, you don’t even need an expensive gym membership to see results. Given our busy lives, it’s no surprise that “I don’t have the time” is a common concern, but as Dr. Davies notes, “10 minutes is better than zero minutes!” Incorporate a 15-minute walk after lunch or dinner, add 15 minutes of daily weight training, like squats or push-ups, and a few sessions of yoga, pickleball or a bike ride, and you’ll soon reach Health Canada’s recommended 150 minutes of activity per week.

Ready to learn more and take control of your health? Visit itsconnected.ca

Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

1. Marassi, Marella, and Gian Paolo Fadini. The cardio-renal-metabolic connection: a review of the evidence. Cardiovascular diabetology vol. 22,1 195. 31 Jul. 2023.

2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetic Kidney Disease. Available at https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/diabetic-kidney-disease. Accessed September 2025

3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Heart Disease & Kidney Disease. Available at https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/heart-disease. Accessed September 2025

4. Heart and Stroke. High Blood Pressure. Available at: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/risk-and-prevention/condition-risk-factors/high-blood-pressure. Accessed September 2025.

5. Diabetes Canada (2024). Lifestyle Management. Available at: https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/lifestyle-management. Accessed September 2025

6. JARDIANCE® Product Monograph, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., July 31, 2025

7. Victoza® Product Monograph, Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., December 13, 2024.

8. Forxiga® Product Monograph, AstraZeneca Canada Inc., October 10, 2023.

9.  Diabetes Canada. Heart Disease and Stroke. Available at: https://diabetes.ca/resources/tools—resources/heart-disease—stroke. Accessed September 2025

10. Diabetes Canada. Healthy Eating. Available: https://www.diabetes.ca/en-CA/nutrition-fitness/healthy-eating/healthy-eating-tips. Accessed September 2025 

11. Diabetes Canada. Exercise & Activity. Available at: https://www.diabetes.ca/nutrition-fitness/exercise-activity. Accessed September 2025.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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