National Diabetes Week 2017!
Facts about Diabetes:
> Each day, 280 Australians are diagnosed with Diabetes
> Diabetes has been diagnosed in over 100,000 Australians in the past year
> Total annual cost impact of diabetes in Australia estimated at $14.6 billion
> Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Australia
> There are more than 4,400 amputations in Australia each year caused by diabetes
> In 2005, more than 1000 people died as a direct result of lower-limb wounds and foot ulcers caused by diabetes
> Every 6 seconds, someone dies as a result of diabetes (globally)
These statistics are scary! National Diabetes Week is aimed at raising awareness of diabetes. To better manage diabetes, early diagnosis and intervention is essential.
So, what exactly is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious complex condition which can affect the entire body. It requires daily self care otherwise diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life and can reduce life expectancy. There is currently no cure for diabetes. you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and effectively managing it.
There are different types of diabetes; all types are complex and serious. The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
>> Type 1:
> Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin
> Makes up about 10% of all diabetes cases and is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions
> Symptoms are usually obvious (being excessively thirsty, passing more urine, feeling tired/lethargic, wounds that heal slowly, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, etc)
> Is managed with insulin injections multiple times a day
> The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown; but it has a strong genetic link and cannot be prevented.
>> Type 2:
> The pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body does not respond to insulin effectively
> Represents 85-90% of all diabetes cases
> Usually develops in people aged 45yrs+ but is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people
> Patients with a family history of diabetes are at higher risk
> To help manage type 2 diabetes, physical exercise and healthy eating are essential
> Many people often display no symptoms or mistake their symptoms as a sign of ageing. Symptoms include gradually gaining weight, mood swings, blurred vision, leg cramps, etc.
>> Gestational:
> During pregnancy, some women can develop GDM. GDM usually goes away once the baby is born. GDM is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear during pregnancy.
> Women are at a higher risk of developing GDM if they are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, are over the age of 25, have had GDM with previous pregnancies, have delivered a large baby previously.
> GDM can often be managed with healthy eating and regular exercise. However, for some women, insulin injections may be necessary
> A simple, routine test during pregnancy will diagnose GDM
Prevention:
While Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, Type 2 diabetes can be! By maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, not smoking and managing cholesterol levels, up to 58% of type 2 diabetes can be avoided!
To find out more about Diabetes, head to www.diabetesaustralia.com.au or speak to your doctor.
Make an appointment with your Doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.