National Diabetes Week, 10-16 July, is the perfect time to learn more about this chronic condition that affects so many people.
More than 1.2 million Australians have diabetes (excluding gestational diabetes), with the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes steadily increasing with age.
In part due to the large elderly population, it’s no surprise that the Bass Coast Shire has the highest population of people living with diabetes in Gippsland: 7% against the national average of 5.6%.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Glucose is our body’s main source of energy and comes primarily from the carbohydrate foods we eat: cereals, bread, pasta, rice, pulses, milk, fruit, starchy vegies, baked goods made from flour, cane sugar and honey.
Glucose needs the hormone Insulin, made by our pancreas, to take the glucose from the bloodstream into our cells or muscles, to be used for energy.
If the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or it doesn’t use insulin well, glucose then stays in your bloodstream and doesn’t reach your muscles, hence why with high blood glucose levels, you can feel low energy levels. Consistently high levels of glucose in your bloodstream can cause damage to the blood vessels.
There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational diabetes.
Type 1 affects approximately 10% of people diagnosed with diabetes in Australia, and genetics and some viruses may contribute to it.
Type 2 diabetes runs in families so has a strong genetic link. You must have a specific cluster of genes to get this type of diabetes. Approximately 85% of all people in Australia living with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.
In addition to the non-modifiable risk factors of genes, ethnicity and advancing age, there are some modifiable lifestyle factors such as increased weight or waist measurement, eating a diet higher in processed foods, inactivity, and emotional or medical stress, which can all contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes.
To see if you are at risk, go to: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/the-australian-type-2-diabetes-risk-assessment-tool-ausdrisk?
“Whilst a diagnosis of diabetes can be life-changing, you can do most things that you did before the diagnosis and the condition doesn’t define you,” said Bass Coast Health Diabetes Educator Vivienne Prestidge.
”There are many advances in the types of medications and technologies available now.”
Type 1 diabetes can be managed very well with the support of a diabetes health care team.
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition that requires regular monitoring. In some people however, intensive lifestyle modifications and weight loss can lead to remission.
Gestational diabetes goes away after the birth of the baby however there is a 50% likelihood that these mothers can develop Type 2 diabetes later in life.
“Lifestyle changes such as diet, physical activity, keeping your emotional and physical wellbeing in check, losing weight if needed, adhering to prescribed medication regimens and quitting smoking are all important components to managing diabetes,” Vivienne said.
“In addition, having health appointments at regular intervals throughout the year - with your GP, Endocrinologist, Diabetes Educator, Dietitian, Exercise Physiologist, Optometrist, Podiatrist and Dentist - are essential to prevent or limit the complications of diabetes.
“If you notice increased thirst and hunger, are passing urine more often, have blurred vision or have troublesome skin infections, you will benefit from having a diabetes check-up with your doctor as these are some of the symptoms of high blood sugar levels or underlying diabetes.”
Bass Coast Health (BCH) has a diabetes team that can support and guide you in your diabetes diagnosis and journey.
The Credentialed Diabetes Educators (CDEs) at BCH have expertise in teaching you how to manage your diabetes through lifestyle, glucose monitoring and medications.
They are experienced in insulin therapy including insulin pumps and new monitoring technologies.
Importantly, a CDE assesses individual needs and assists people living with diabetes to meet their own health goals to prevent diabetes complications. Appointments to any of the diabetes services with Bass Coast Health can be made after receipt of a referral from your GP to BCH Access Intake via fax to: 9102 5307.
Consumer David Williams has been accessing diabetes services at BCH since 2017.
“The educators give you tips about what to do to keep your sugar down and devices for checking glucose in your blood,” he said.
“It’s nice to know that someone cares. Diabetes is a strange disease because you do not really feel any different but you have to look after your diet and not eat too much sugar.”