|
|
|
Early detection the best way to stop diabetes in its tracks
13 July 2009
National Diabetes Week, 12 to 18 July, 2009
Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions, with one Australian being diagnosed every seven minutes.
The latest data from Diabetes Australia NSW shows that diabetes affects more than half a million people in NSW, with nearly half not knowing they have the disease.
This rise is due to increased incidence, particularly for Type 2 diabetes, and also to improved awareness, screening and diagnosis, as well as the fact that people are living with the condition for a longer time. The latter is due to both earlier onset and greater longevity, because of improved disease management.
National Diabetes Week (12 to 18 July) aims to raise awareness about diabetes in Australia. According to Hunter New England Health, diabetes and its complications contribute to a significant burden not only on individuals and their families, but also on whole communities and the health system.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, often diagnosed early in life. It requires insulin injections to help the body absorb blood glucose as the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. While the exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is not known, it is thought that people inherit a predisposition for this condition, occurring when they are exposed to a trigger, possibly a viral infection. Type 1 diabetes requires the involvement of a dedicated diabetic team, which in conjunction with the patient and their families, formulate a management plan that allows the patient to lead as normal a life as possible.
- Type 2 diabetes appears to be largely lifestyle induced, and is most commonly diagnosed in mature adults. However, more young people, and even adolescents, are being diagnosed. The main risk factors are being over 40 years of age (or being over 35 years for Aboriginal people), being overweight, having had previous gestational diabetes, or having been diagnosed with pre-diabetes by a GP. Type 2 diabetes can often be effectively controlled through diet and exercise, and accounts for nearly nine out of 10 people with diabetes.
HNE Health specialist Dr Sergio Diez-Alvarez said diabetes was often called the ‘silent killer’ because people could be unaware they had it until they developed a severe complication, such as vision loss, kidney disease, or heart disease. Dr Diez-Alvarez said early detection was the best way stop diabetes in its tracks.
“Early detection and control of diabetes is extremely important. Diabetes is detected through a simple blood glucose test, and it is recommended that people over age 40 with a family history of diabetes or other risk factors (such as being overweight) should consider asking their GP for screening. The earlier diabetes is detected, the earlier complications may be treated and/or prevented,” Dr Diez-Alvarez said.
Hunter New England Health has developed a five-year Diabetes Services Plan through extensive consultation with General Practitioners (GPs), people with diabetes, Aboriginal groups and other diabetes-related organisations such as Diabetes Australia NSW.
During the initial stages of the plan there will be a focus on improving the health of Aboriginal people who have or who are at risk of diabetes, through initiatives such as better diabetes screening in Aboriginal communities.
There is also a commitment to working more closely with GPs to provide integrated diabetes care across the Area. The ultimate aim is to deliver high quality, flexible diabetes care in response to the needs of communities. The current models of diabetes care will be reviewed and changed to ensure this is achieved.
The HNE Diabetes Services Plan 2008-2012 is now available on Hunter New England Health’s website. Go to: http://intranet.hne.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/54987/finalPlanDiabetesformatted28Jan09.pdf
(HNE-1914)
Contact: Carisa Green
Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183
|
|
|