Diabetes week

National Diabetes Week is a key event across Australia dedicated to raising awareness within the community about the prevalence and impact of diabetes.

Did you know…..

• Geraldton, according to NDSS data is the third highest ranking place in WA with Diabetes
• 1 Australian is diagnosed with diabetes every 5 minutes
• It is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia
• In 2013, diabetes caused 5.1 million deaths globally
• At least 30% of all hospital beds in WA are taken up by people with diabetes complications
• More than 124, 000 West Australians are currently living with diabetes and roughly the same number of people are believed to be living with undiagnosed diabetes.
• It is estimated that nearly 4 out of every 10 public hospital beds in WA are occupied by patients experiencing a complication of diabetes.
• All types of diabetes are serious and can lead to complications if not well managed.
• People living with diabetes are at serious risk of complications including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, limb amputation, depression, anxiety and blindness.
• People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. Kidney disease is three times more common in people with diabetes.
• Seventy per cent (70%) of all lower limb amputations occur in people with diabetes.

What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition where body is unable to break down the glucose (sugars) in food into energy because it either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert glucose into energy. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational. There is no cure.

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition in which the immune system destroys cells in the pancreas, stopping it from producing insulin. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. It accounts for between 10 to 15% of all cases of diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin or loses the capacity to produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is associated with modifiable lifestyle risk factors. It can be delayed or prevented in up to 60% of cases by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and following a healthy eating plan. It does, however, run in families. It accounts for between 85 to 90% of all cases of diabetes.

Gestational
Gestational diabetes affects around 5% of pregnancies and usually disappears after the birth. Gestational diabetes significantly increases a woman’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. How serious is diabetes?

https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/myths-facts

Are you at risk of developing Diabetes?
Check your risk here: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/risk-calculator

Call or book online with the Panaceum Group to make an appointment to discuss your diabetes Risk Score or to Book your Next Diabetes Careplan
Panaceum Medical (08) 9920 8111 or  University Medical Practice (08) 9923 9999