Chronic diseases and conditions are the leading cause of death and disability in Ontario. The most common are cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.

The Southlake Academic Family Health Team is there to support you and provide you the necessary tools to self-manage your chronic disease. This program focuses on education and the development of self-management skills to improve your ability to manage your chronic disease, thus improving your quality of life and reducing health complications. We provide support for patients with Diabetes and Hypertension.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. With diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it as well as it should. When there isn't enugh insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure (or hypertension).

The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Please speak to your healthcare provider for more information.

Last updated on: March 8, 2023