In Focus - Diabetes
For the month of July, diabetes will be the health issue in focus.
Here you will find information on the RFDS role in treating patients with diabetes and preventing the onset of illness in rural and remote areas.There will be links to resources on diabetes and key papers/reports for health professionals and a list of key external websites devoted to diabetes.
The RFDS is grateful to Diabetes Australia for providing information for this month’s ‘In focus’.
PREVENT type 2 diabetes and AVOID kidney damage
Don’t be the type to leave it too late!
- Diabetes currently affects an estimated 1.7 million Australians
- Approximately half the people with diabetes don’t know they have it
- People with diabetes are three times more likely to develop kidney damage
- Diabetes is the major cause of kidney disease in Australia. Other risk factors for kidney disease include hypertension, smoking and obesity.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition where there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is the most common type of diabetes. It develops slowly and the symptoms may not be noticed or recognised. Symptoms can include being very thirsty, urinating frequently and in large amounts, weight changes, feeling weak and tired, blurred vision, skin infections and slow healing wounds. Sometimes there are no symptoms, which is why it is important that you have a check for diabetes. Take the AusDrisk test at www.diabetesvic.org.au and see your doctor for a fasting blood glucose test.
Who is at risk of type 2 diabetes?
- People who have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- People who are overweight or obese
- People who are inactive
- People with pre-diabetes – glucose levels in the body are higher than they should be, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes
- People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a history of heart disease
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- People from Pacific Islands, Maori, Asian (including the Indian sub-continent), Middle Eastern, North African or Southern European backgrounds
- Women who have had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
- Women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome and are overweight
- People who smoke
- People taking certain antipsychotic medications.
How is type 2 diabetes managed?
Type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, but can be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks. Sometimes tablets and/or insulin are also needed.
If you have diabetes you may develop complications including kidney damage, heart disease or stroke and in some cases blindness or limb amputation.
What you can do to prevent type 2 diabetes:
- Assess your risk
- Join a Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course
- Use the telephone health coaching service
To assess your risk and for information about a lifestyle course to prevent type 2 diabetes call 13 RISK (13 7475) or visit www.diabetesvic.org.au