What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition which occurs when there is too much glucose (sugar) in your blood. The hormone, insulin (which is made by the pancreas) is responsible for reducing your body’s blood glucose levels. When the pancreas isn’t able to produce enough insulin, or cells in the body do not utilise insulin correctly, higher than normal blood glucose levels occur.
Diabetes affects around 1.7 million Australians. This includes all types of diagnosed diabetes (1.2 million known and registered) as well as people who have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes (up to an estimated 500,000 Australians).
There are three main types of Diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes (also known as Insulin-Dependent Diabetes or Juvenile Diabetes) occurs when your body’s immune system attacks and kills the beta cells in the pancreas that are responsible for making insulin.
Type 1 Diabetes is normally found in childhood but can sometimes develop in adults.
Type 2 Diabetes
With Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and/or the insulin is not working effectively, this is the most common form of diabetes.
Many Australians, particularly those over 40, are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes through lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and poor nutrition. A family history of diabetes and genetics also play a role in Type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is identified by higher than normal blood glucose levels during pregnancy. The condition typically goes away after the baby is born.
What are the Common Symptoms of Diabetes?
Generally, in the case of Type 1 Diabetes, symptoms can happen quite suddenly and can be life-threatening. With Type 2 Diabetes, many people don’t have any symptoms or might dismiss them as part of “getting older”.
Common symptoms of Diabetes include:
- Being very thirsty
- Going to the toilet more frequently
- Tiredness and a lack of energy
- Feeling constantly hungry
- Blurred vision
- Cuts that heal slower than normal
- Headaches and dizziness
- Mood swings
- Leg cramps
What Is Pre-Diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is when your blood glucose level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as Diabetes.
If left untreated it can progress to Type 2 Diabetes. This can be prevented by making simple healthy lifestyle changes around food and exercise.
How Can Diabetes Affect the Rest of My Body?
Undiagnosed or poorly managed Diabetes can lead to other complications and medical conditions such as:
- Kidney damage
- Heart disease and stroke
- Vision problems such as cataracts and glaucoma
- Nerve damage
- Sleep apnoea
How Can I Check If I’m At Risk?
If there is a history of Type 2 Diabetes in your family or you are experiencing some of the common symptoms described above, the Australian Government Department of Health provides an online risk level calculator. To find out more, visit https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/risk-calculator
Ways to Manage Diabetes
Dependant on what type of Diabetes you have, there are a number of options for managing the condition:
- Lifestyle adjustments (e.g. increasing physical activity, improving your eating habits and weight management)
- Monitoring devices
- Medication
- Self-management techniques
It is important to consult your trusted healthcare professional before undertaking any changes.
How Your Pharmacist Can Help
All Star Discount Chemists are sub-agencies for the NDSS (the National Diabetes Services Scheme). People diagnosed with Diabetes can now receive subsidies on a wide range of diabetes-related products. Feel free to ask your friendly Pharmacist for products, information and professional advice on Diabetes and effective self-management, including simple lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk.
To seek further information to elaborate on this general advice, refer to your Pharmacist or GP.
References
https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/
https://www.diabetessa.com.au/
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/search-results/diabeteshttps://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diabetes
