New diabetes nurse to support New England

26 November 2010

A registered nurse is now available to educate New England residents about the importance of preventing and controlling diabetes.

Cathy Sexton will be based in Glen Innes, and provide educational services to Tenterfield, Emmaville, Guyra and Glen Innes.

Cathy, a nurse for 35 years, will be holding diabetes awareness sessions in these areas and is available to speak to community groups and clubs on diet, exercise and healthy living to reduce the risk of diabetes and its complications.

With one person diagnosed with diabetes every seven seconds it’s important to know the risk factors and symptoms, to avoid Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease.

“In its simplest terms, diabetes is a condition which prevents the body utilising the energy (glucose) that comes from the carbohydrate food we eat. This happens as a result of insulin not working well or the person being deficient in insulin, which results in high blood glucose,” Cathy said.

“There are two types of diabetes, as many people would know - Type 1 and Type 2,” Cathy said. “Symptoms of diabetes can include excessive tiredness, frequent urination and increased thirst, skin infections and possibly eyesight problems.”

People over 40 years of age (or Aboriginal people over 35 years), people who are overweight, or who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or pre-diabetes in the past, are most at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

“This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed later in life, but is more frequently being seen in overweight younger people as well,” Cathy said.

With Type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas is unable to make insulin, the hormone which is needed to allow the body to absorb glucose. Type 1 Diabetes is usually diagnosed in younger people. People with Type 1 Diabetes need insulin injections to keep their insulin levels stable.

“In undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes, damage can be caused to many parts of the body such as kidneys, heart, eyes and circulation to name but a few,” Cathy said.

“Lifestyle is important in the management of both types of diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes, like many other chronic conditions, can be significantly improved through the management of lifestyle components such as obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and by being physically active, eating well and not smoking.”

To book a diabetes awareness session please call Cathy Sexton on 0427 402 609.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: 6767 7137