National Diabetes Awareness Week is a national week aimed at raising awareness of diabetes and the growing number of people who have it. This year national Diabetes week is run from the 10th to the 16th July.
Diabetes is a serious and complex condition which can affect the entire body.
There are different types of diabetes; all types are complex and serious. The three main types of diabetes are:
Type 1 diabetes is characterised by a lack of insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy essential for general day to day life. Long healthy lives are achievable through insulin therapy, exercise, nutrition and proper blood glucose management techniques.
Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes, and accounts for around 90% of all diabetes worldwide. A type 2 diabetic means that the body does not use insulin properly, this is called insulin resistance. At first the pancreas will make extra insulin but over time it isn’t able to keep up and can’t make enough to keep the blood glucose at normal levels. The cells are starved for energy and gradually high levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.
A third type of diabetes is gestational diabetes. This type is characterised by hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, which is first recognised during pregnancy.
Diabetes can be prevented. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days and a healthy diet can drastically reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Our doctors use medications if required, encourage increased exercise and provide patient counselling. Doctors refer to Dieticians, Diabetic Educators and Endocrinologists who specialise in diabetes. These practitioners work together with patients to optimise diabetic control.
If you would like to make an appointment to see one of our General Practitioners please phone our clinic on 5023 7311 or book online.
