What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition where the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. This happens because the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by moving glucose into the body’s cells for energy. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys the cells that make insulin, leading to little or no insulin production. Type 2 diabetes, which is far more common, occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas cannot produce enough to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Both types result in high blood sugar that requires ongoing monitoring and treatment.

What causes diabetes?

The causes of diabetes depend on the type. Type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is not caused by lifestyle factors. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetics, age, body weight, and physical inactivity. Over time, the body becomes resistant to insulin or is unable to make enough of it, leading to constant elevated blood sugar levels. Regardless of the type of diabetes, both forms require proper medical care.

Is there any way to reduce my blood sugar levels prior to my IME?

The blood work for your Immigration Medical Exam is mainly focused on kidney function.  Because of this, there is no need to change your eating habits or try to lower your blood sugar before your appointment. You should eat normally and take your medications as usual. You should not try to dramatically lower your blood sugar levels before your Immigration Medical Exam for that can be unsafe. What matters most is that you continue following your regular treatment plan.

Medical care for diabetes

Medical care for diabetes focuses on keeping blood sugar levels stable and preventing complications. People with Type 1 diabetes need daily insulin because their bodies no longer produce it, while those with Type 2 diabetes may manage their condition with lifestyle changes, oral medications, or insulin, if needed. Treatment often includes daily monitoring of blood sugar levels, balanced eating, regular physical activity, and taking medications as prescribed. Overall, effective diabetes care is ongoing and focuses on maintaining good blood sugar control and overall health.

Do I need to do further testing if I have diabetes?

Common further testing if you have diabetes, includes an A1C test, which shows your average blood sugar over the past three months, along with urine or blood tests to check kidney function. They are follow-up tests you would complete with your own physician. Your physician may also review your medications, ask about your treatment plan, and check for any diabetes-related complications. If there is any kidney impairment or any complications from Diabetes you may need further testing. 

Do I fail my Immigration Medical Exam if I have diabetes?

Having diabetes does not mean you will fail your Immigration Medical Exam. Medical inadmissibility is based on whether your condition poses a danger to public health, a danger to public safety, or creates an excessive demand on health and social services. Diabetes is not contagious, does not pose a public safety risk, and is not automatically considered an excessive demand. If your diabetes is being monitored and treated, most applicants successfully pass their IME. The key factor is demonstrating that your condition is stable and appropriately managed and there are no complications from Diabetes. 

At Immigration Medical Centre in Oakville, our kind, caring and experienced Panel Physicians and medical practitioners are happy to support you throughout the entire Immigration Medical Exam process. For clients’ convenience, we provide all tests including blood test and X-ray in the same building. To book your Immigration Medical Exam, please either call us at 416-822-3326 or book it online on our website.   

To read more articles on Immigration Medical Examination, please check our Resources.