OTTAWA, ON: Despite the fact that each her parents had diabetes of their 70s, Monique was shocked when she got her type 2 diabetes diagnosis on the age of 48. Initially she felt lost, but eventually found support from her sister—and her nephew who has type 1 diabetes.

Today, Monique says she is working along with her doctor to maintain her blood sugar levels in check, and making smart decisions relating to her nutrition. She has also taken up urban polling (also often called Nordic walking) along with her sister, averaging at the least 10 kms every week. When the weather isn’t cooperating, she relies on exercise programs she finds on YouTube.

Monique says finding community support is important on the diabetes journey. “I wish I’d had support from a community with an understanding of the disease, like a web-based peer support group. If I had that once I was first diagnosed, I might have probably had a more positive experience if I used to be in a position to depend on a community circle,” she says. Make sure you make the most of diabetes communities and take part in group exercise and recipe sharing, she advises.