Beating the diabetes boom requires more than just talk
10 July 2008
The rise in the number of people with diabetes is steadily increasing, and this years Diabetes Week (13-19 July) provides us with an opportunity to do more than simply talk about it.
According to Hunter New England Health, there is now almost double the number of people with diabetes as there were in 2001. Health services are feeling the pressure and diabetes also imposes a significant burden on families and communities.
Hunter New England Health diabetes specialist Dr Kerry Bowen, said that in simple terms, diabetes is a condition which prevents the body utilising the energy (glucose) which comes from the food we eat. Instead of the glucose moving into body tissues such as muscle and liver after absorption from the gut after a meal, it piles up excessively in the bloodstream, causing hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose).
"The hyperglycaemia seen in diabetes can cause symptoms such as excessive tiredness, thirst, frequent urination, circulation problems, infections and blurred vision. If hyperglycaemia is not treated, it can eventually cause damage to many parts of the body, such as the kidneys, heart, eyes and circulation".
"Early detection and control of diabetes is extremely important if the damage caused by this condition is to be prevented or reduced," he said.
There are two main types of diabetes:
· Type 1 Diabetes is often diagnosed early in life, and requires insulin injections to help the body absorb blood glucose because the pancreas is not producing enough insulin. While the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not known, it is thought that some people may inherit a predisposition for this condition, occurring when they are exposed to a trigger, possibly a viral infection.
· Type 2 Diabetes appears to be largely lifestyle induced, and is most commonly diagnosed in mature adults, however, more young people, and even children, are being diagnosed. It can often be effectively controlled through diet and exercise. Type 2 accounts for nearly 9 out of 10 people with diabetes. Quite often the person with Type 2 diabetes is making plenty of their own insulin when the condition is diagnosed; the problem is that their liver and muscles cannot extract glucose from the bloodstream normally because these organs fail to respond to the patients own insulin. This situation is termed insulin resistance and is the cause of the hyperglycaemia.
Lifestyle is important in the management of both types of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes even be prevented, or at least reduced in severity, by managing medical issues such as obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Being moderately physically active and eating well also helps a lot.
"Although we might think we are fortunate to have the convenience of fast food, labour saving devices and the motor car to make life easier for us, we need to get the balance right. Only you can make the changes to your lifestyle which can protect your health," he said.
For this reason, Hunter New England Health, the Divisions of General Practice, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Diabetes Australia - NSW, are joining forces to create opportunities for people to learn about diabetes prevention and also learn how they can access appropriate health screening programs.
The focus of this year's Diabetes Week is on families, with the campaign partners eager for whole families to take up diabetes prevention messages.
Throughout the area, children are being encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles with programs such as Good for Kids, Kids on Walkabout, Healthy Canteens projects, Connecting the Dots and several other healthy eating/healthy physical activity programs.
Dr Bowen said now is the time for parents to also demonstrate their willingness to manage their own lifestyle, to maximise their health.
People who are most at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes are those who are unfit, have high blood pressure and are overweight, particularly those with the 'apple shape' body where there is extra weight around the waist.
"If you fit into this high risk category, talk to your doctor about simple checks to identify the extent of your risk, and start living well today," he said.
Further information about diabetes and families is available on the Diabetes Australia - NSW website www.diabetesnsw.com.au
Photo opportunities by Cluster:
Greater Newcastle
Thursday, 10 July, 10am-2pm Shoal Bay Pharmacy Community awareness program to increase understanding of diabetes management (Contact: Diabetes Educator, Annabel Thurlow Ph: 4921 4654)
Tuesday, 15 July, 7pm, Mayfield Superstrike - The Newcastle Young people's support group is having a 10 pin bowling night (Contact person: Naomi Malcolm, Diabetes Australia NSW, Ph: 0410 547 048)
Wed 16 July, 12noon - GP Diabetes Strategy launch at Diabetes Australia shop in Hunter Street (Contact Naomi Malcolm, Diabetes Australia NSW, Ph: 0410 547 048)
Thursday, 17 July, 10am-2pm Community awareness program to increase understanding of diabetes management (Contact: Diabetes Educator, Annabel Thurlow Ph: 4921 4654)
Upper Hunter (contact Diabetes Educator Kerry Collins Ph: 6542 2046)
Tuesday 15 July 10-10.30am Healthy food choices staff morning tea, Muswellbrook Health Service
Thursday 17 July 6.30pm Talk to Muswellbrook Rotary Club members re screening for diabetes and prevention/management strategies. Muswellbrook Workers Club.
Lower Hunter
Anytime - Contact Diabetes Resource Nurse, Laurenn Wallace at Singleton Community Health Centre for further information about diabetes and local resources Ph: 6571 9248
Lower Mid North Coast (Contact Diabetes Educator Ivy Semple, Ph: 6555 6822)
Thursday 17 July 10-12noon Community education re the importance of diabetes screening. Amcal Pharmacy, Wharf Street, Forster.
Contact: Kay Cope
Phone: 6776 9817