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Last year, Dynacare and Diabetes Canada worked together to deliver #Dynacare4Diabetes, Manitoba’s largest-ever diabetes wellness initiative. At the time, about 377,000 Manitobans (27% of the province) had undiagnosed or diagnosed diabetes or prediabetes. In just one year, that number has risen by nearly 10,000, and is expected to reach 472,000 in the next 10 years. Many Manitobans do not realize that after age 40 they should get an A1C (blood sugar) test approximately every three years, especially if they are from one of the identified high-risk groups. About the initiative The goal of this initiative is to screen 55,000 Manitobans for type 2 diabetes – particularly those most at risk – using the A1C test from Oct. 21 to Nov. 30, 2019. Between Oct. 21 and Nov. 30, Dynacare will offer free A1C tests at every Dynacare location in Manitoba, making a 50-cent donation to Diabetes Canada for every A1C test completed, up to a total of $25,000. This initiative comes at no cost to Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living as it is fully funded by Dynacare, including the cost of all additional A1C tests ordered. What is an A1C test? The A1C test is a blood test that measures what percentage of the body’s hemoglobin — a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen — is coated with sugar. The higher a patient’s A1C level, the poorer their blood sugar control and the higher their risk of experiencing complications from diabetes. The test may be done at any time – regardless of when a patient has last eaten – and it reflects average blood sugar levels from the past two to three months. More information regarding blood sugar testing can be found here. Getting started with screening For Manitobans who have never been tested for diabetes, or are not sure if they are at risk, Dynacare and Diabetes Canada recommend starting the screening process by reviewing the risk factors and symptoms of diabetes.
Like any other medical issue or concern, speaking to one’s doctor is a good place to start. The doctor can inform their patient if a blood sugar test is necessary and, if recommended, issue a lab requisition form (a document saying indicating a certain test should be completed). Participants in this campaign can ensure their test results in a donation to Diabetes Canada by bringing the form to any Dynacare location in Manitoba and having their A1C test done between Oct. 21 and Nov. 30, 2019. The A1C testing process Since there is no need to fast before the A1C test, Manitobans can visit a Dynacare location at a time that is convenient for them. It is however recommended that they check the operational hours and parking availability at the Dynacare facility they intend on visiting in advance, as these may vary depending on the location. A blood draw typically takes about five to ten minutes, and Dynacare staff are professionally trained to ensure that patients are as comfortable as possible throughout the collection process. In most cases, it takes Dynacare 48 hours to analyze a patient’s sample and return the results to their doctor. Doctors who receive test results with blood sugar levels above the normal range typically contact their patients directly to arrange a consultation and discuss a treatment plan. Manitobans are encouraged to read these FAQs for before, during and after testing if they have any questions about the Dynacare testing process. Common diabetes symptoms Manitobans are encouraged to contact and consult with their primary care physician if suffering from any of the following symptoms: