Heads up on Diabetes
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National Diabetes Week runs from 10th-16th July 2022. This year’s event aims to address the stigma associated with diabetes.
More than a million Australians have type 2 diabetes, and up to 1 in 5 people with the disease are yet to be diagnosed. Diabetes is common, but often misunderstood. Those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may experience shame or stigma, due to a belief that it is simply a lifestyle disease. Lifestyle, diet and physical activity certainly play an important role in determining a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but there are usually other factors at play, including:
* Family history
* Increasing age
* Being overweight +/- having high blood pressure
* Aboriginal,Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural background
* History of gestational diabetes, or polycystic ovarian syndrome
* Antipsychotic medications
We can’t change our genetics, ethnicity or our age, but there are some factors we have control over to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight, keeping physically active with moderate intensity exercise for 150 minutes per week, eating a healthy diet, monitoring and managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol and not smoking can all make a positive impact.
People aged 45 to 49 years who are at risk of developing a chronic disease, such as type 2 diabetes, and all people over 75 can have comprehensive health assessments with their GP and practice nurse that are funded by Medicare. We can help you determine your personal risk of diabetes and put together a plan to reduce that risk.
As type 2 diabetes symptoms may be non-specific or non-existent, getting a diagnosis can be a shock. Thankfully, we have a range of management options, including dietary and exercise changes and medications. Early detection and management of type 2 diabetes may prevent potentially devastating consequences, such as heart attack, stroke, blindness and kidney failure.
For more information, talk to your GP or visit www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
