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🩺 Diabetes: Causes & Symptoms You Should Know

Diabetes affects millions of people — but early knowledge can make a huge difference. Learn the causes, spot the symptoms, and take control of your health today.

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🌟 What Causes Diabetes?

Diabetes happens when your body struggles to regulate blood sugar (glucose).

1. Type 1 Diabetes
  • Immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
  • Often starts in childhood or adolescence.
  • Genetics & environment may play a role.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
  • Body becomes resistant to insulin or produces too little. Common triggers:
  • Family history, overweight or obesity, sedentary lifestyle
  • Unhealthy diet (high sugar & processed foods)
  • Age & other health conditions (like high blood pressure)
3. Gestational Diabetes
  • Occurs during pregnancy when insulin needs increase.
  • Risk factors: age >25, overweight, family history of diabetes.

👀 Spot the Early Symptoms

Early detection prevents complications. Watch for:

  • 💧 Excessive thirst & frequent urination – body removes extra sugar through urine
  • 🍽️ Extreme hunger – cells lack energy
  • ⚖️ Unexplained weight loss – common in Type 1
  • 😴 Fatigue & weakness – inefficient glucose use
  • 👓 Blurred vision – high sugar affects eyes
  • 🩹 Slow-healing wounds & infections – sugar impairs healing
  • 🦶 Tingling or numbness in hands & feet – possible nerve damage

Pro Tip: Many people with Type 2 diabetes don’t notice symptoms for years. Regular health check-ups are essential!

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💡 Take Control Early

Understanding the causes and recognizing symptoms is the first step to empowerment. At Healing Hands for Diabetes, we offer:

  • 🥗 Nutrition & lifestyle guidance
  • 🤝 Community support & workshops
  • 📊 Practical tools for managing blood sugar

✨ Your health is in your hands — act today!

Amanpreet Singh Soni - Founding Director

Amanpreet Singh Soni is a dedicated entrepreneur, community advocate, and the Founder of the Healing Hands for Diabetes Foundation. His unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change stems from both personal experiences and professional aspirations. With a strong belief in the power of education and proactive care, Amanpreet established the foundation to raise awareness, provide resources, and support individuals and families affected by diabetes. His journey reflects a deep passion for improving lives, both through his philanthropic efforts and his dynamic business ventures.

An entrepreneur who began his journey in 2018 with entering in a pizza restaurant chain, he has since expanded the venture to include four thriving branches. Driven by a passion for growth and innovation, he founded the AMAN Group, under which both Soni and Sons Construction, specializing in commercial projects, and Local Pizza continue to grow and prosper.

Beyond his business pursuits, he is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Over the years, he has supported various local organisations, contributing to initiatives that strengthen and uplift the community.

His personal journey took a significant turn last year with a diabetes diagnosis—a wake-up call that inspired him to take action against this silent killer. In response, he founded the Healing Hands for Diabetes Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness, providing resources, and supporting individuals and families affected by diabetes. He advocates for education and proactive care as crucial measures in combating the disease and fostering healthier futures.

From building businesses to championing meaningful causes, he is passionate about making a difference in both his professional endeavours and community impact.

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Dr. Sanjeev Ahluwalia - Advisor

Dr. Ahluwalia holds a Master’s (Hons.) degree in Biochemistry and a Doctorate in Energy Sciences and Technology from India. With over a decade of experience as a research scientist and educator, he specialized in "Energy Generation from Biomass" while teaching postgraduate students at a prestigious university in India before relocating to Canada in 1999.

Following a brief postdoctoral tenure at Fresno State University, California, Dr. Ahluwalia returned to Canada in 2001 to join Hydroxyl Systems Inc. in Victoria as a Scientist. His work focused on researching and developing innovative strategies for treating industrial effluents through biological oxidation.

Passionate about education, he also taught a course on the fundamentals of wastewater treatment at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and mentored graduate students from UBC and Royal Roads University (RRU) in their research projects.

Currently, Dr. Ahluwalia is actively engaged in exploring various "Alternative Health Systems" and their potential in managing and improving overall well-being. His research focuses on developing effective strategies to address lifestyle diseases—an increasing challenge in modern society.

His extensive knowledge, scientific background, and commitment to health and wellness will be instrumental in the successful operation of Healing Hands for Diabetes. We look forward to his valuable insights and guidance as we continue our efforts to make a meaningful impact in diabetes prevention and management.

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Vishal Jain - Mindfulness Coach

Vishal brings over 20 years of experience in human transformation, with a passion for cultivating self-love, compassion, and mental well-being. As a certified Meditation and Laughter Yoga Coach, he has conducted numerous transformational programs focused on emotional well-being. His experience includes over 15 years as a volunteer with Landmark Worldwide, where he trained thousands in personal transformation.

Vishal also serves as a Senior Well-Being Advocate, conducting meditation and mindfulness sessions for seniors. He is a Mental Health and Stress Management Coach, integrating ancient wisdom with modern practices. We are thrilled to have Vishal's expertise in meditation and stress management to support our mission and the individuals we serve.

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Jaspreet Bhatia - Founder

With great pleasure we would like to introduce our another founder - Jaspreet Bhatia

Jaspreet Bhatia has been working in the IT industry for the last two decades, driving operational excellence, innovative solutions, and strategic leadership. Currently, she serves as the Director of Order Management with the BC Government, Ministry of Citizens' Services (CITZ), overseeing critical processes to streamline service delivery and optimize efficiency across complex systems.

In addition to her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to raising awareness about diabetes, a cause close to her heart. The fear and shock of seeing family members, including her husband and mother, diagnosed with diabetes motivated her to take action. Recognizing the financial and emotional toll this condition can have on families, she co-founded a Diabetes Foundation to provide support, education, and resources for those affected. Through this initiative, she strives to empower others to navigate the challenges of living with diabetes and advocate for better care and awareness.

Balancing her professional and advocacy roles, she is passionate about making a meaningful difference—whether by driving innovation in IT or fostering hope and support in the diabetes community.

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Satnam Ghotra - Dental Hygienist

We are pleased to welcome Satnam as a volunteer for Healing Hands for Diabetes. His expertise in healthcare and preventive medicine will be a valuable addition to our mission of diabetes awareness and management.

Satnam holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Dental Hygiene certification from Camosun College, Victoria, BC. His academic background has shaped his commitment to improving both oral and systemic health. Since 2015, he has been a Registered Dental Hygienist at Colwood Dental Group, focusing on patient education and preventive care. With a strong belief in the importance of holistic health, Satnam is excited to contribute his knowledge on the connection between oral health and diabetes management, helping individuals make informed choices for their overall well-being.

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Gordy Dodd - Advisor

Gordy Dodd is a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the founder of Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress, a trusted name on Vancouver Island for nearly 50 years. Arriving in Canada in 1976, he turned his passion for sales into a thriving business, expanding from a single store in Victoria to three successful locations.

Beyond business, Mr. Dodd is deeply committed to community service. Through Victoria’s Our Place Society, he and his family have provided over 25,000 meals to those in need. His generosity also supports global relief efforts, local charities, and humanitarian initiatives.

A former India Canada Cultural Association president and VicPD Diversity Advisory Committee member, he champions inclusivity and multiculturalism. His contributions earned him the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

While many recognize him from his TV commercials, Mr. Dodd takes the greatest pride in his family, faith, and philanthropy, values that continue to guide his life’s work.

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Manish Prajapati - Project Head

Manish Prajapati is a seasoned Business Growth Leader and Events Management Professional with over 20 years of experience in project management, leadership, entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, and event execution. His expertise spans large-scale business development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, making him a versatile and results-driven leader.

He has successfully launched and managed high-profile initiatives, including the VIPIO (Vancouver Island’s People of India Origin) Awards, the Global Gujarati Gaurav Awards and the Inspiring Wonder Woman Awards, which have received widespread acclaim for their impact and outreach.

Beyond his professional success, Manish is deeply committed to community service, actively participating in social initiatives that reflect his mission-driven leadership style. Passionate about fostering professionalism, networking, and knowledge-sharing, he continues to create meaningful experiences that drive business growth, leadership excellence, and community impact.

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Dr. Fairuz Siraj - Certified Diabetes Educator

Dr. Fairuz Siraj is a 2019 doctor of pharmacy graduate from the University of British Columbia. Now a certified diabetes educator and Pharmacy Manager at Pharmasave Hillside in Victoria BC. Fairuz empowers patients through personalised diabetes and migraine consultation services. He's a recipient of the 2021 BC Pharmacy Association New Practitioner Award, 2022 Pharmacy Practice and Business Rising Star Award and the 2024 T2D Spark Innovation Challenge award. Collaborating with organisations like Migraine Canada and local healthcare professionals, he is dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes in chronic disease management. Fairuz also enjoys teaching and is committed to advancing the pharmacy profession's impact on patient care.

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Beena Kashyap - Registered Diabetes Educator

Beena is a highly experienced and dedicated nursing professional with 38 years of service in the healthcare field. She began her Nursing career as a Medical Surgical Nurse, a role she held for 18 years. For the past 20 years, she has specialized as a Certified Diabetes Educator, empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to self-mange their condition effectively.

Though officially Retired, Beena remains actively involved in nursing through casual work, driven by her deep passion and lifelong commitment to the profession.

On her time off she enjoys gardening, spending time with family and friends and travelling.

Community Engagement: Over the years, Beena has been instrumental in promoting diabetes awareness within the South Asian community, providing various culturally sensitive education and outreach to improve health outcomes and foster preventative care.

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Dr. Sundren Govender - Medical Director on the advisory board

We are excited to have Dr. Sundren Govender as our Medical Director on the advisory board. Dr. Govender is the Founder and CEO of Monarch Health Solutions and serves as the Medical Director of Jubilee Centre Physicians in Victoria, BC. With over 25 years of experience as a family physician, clinical instructor at UBC's Department of Family Medicine, and researcher, he has cared for thousands of patients with diabetes and other chronic diseases. His special focus on delivering in-home frailty and elderly care to support older adults and their caregivers to age in place—combined with his innovative use of new technologies to drive proactive and preventive healthcare—is helping translate into longer health spans and improved quality of life for his patients. It was

Dr. Govender's philanthropic and altruistic spirit that drew us to guide our initiative, and through compassionate, inclusive, and practical evidence-based approaches, he will help us advance comprehensive team-based care for people living with diabetes.

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Dr. Arsh Buttar (MD, MHSc) - Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Advisory Board Member

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Arsh Buttar as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) on our advisory board.

Dr. Buttar is a full-time family physician based in Victoria, British Columbia, where he practices at Jubilee Centre Physicians and works in close collaboration with Monarch Health Solutions. He brings a strong clinical foundation along with a deep commitment to prevention-based care, evidence-informed practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Buttar holds a Master of Health Science (MHSc) from the University of British Columbia, with a specialized focus in clinical epidemiology, research design, and public health policy. His postgraduate thesis evaluated the comparative effectiveness of very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets versus conventional diabetic diets for the management of Type 2 diabetes in adults—reflecting his interest in practical, research-driven approaches to chronic disease management.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Buttar serves as a Clinical Instructor with UBC's Department of Family Medicine, where he contributes to the academic development of future healthcare professionals.

A lifelong advocate for proactive wellness, Dr. Buttar's dedication to health and performance began long before his medical career. He is a former athlete with the Canadian junior and senior men's national field hockey teams and continues to pursue athletic excellence as a hybrid athlete.

Dr. Buttar's leadership and insight are instrumental as we advance a comprehensive, forward-thinking model of care to empower individuals living with diabetes.

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Gurjeev Kaur - Public Relation Officer (PRO)

Gurjeev Kaur is the Public Relations Officer at Healing Hands for Diabetes, where she oversees communications, outreach, and community engagement. Alongside her role at Healing Hands, she contributes to Aman Group, supporting operations across its ventures in food services and hospitality. With professional experience as Business Manager and in sales, administrative and operational roles, Gurjeev brings strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills to her work.

She is passionate about health advocacy and is dedicated to building awareness, fostering community trust, and supporting Healing Hands’ mission to improve the lives of individuals living with diabetes.

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