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Community Health
Diabetes
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that deaths due to diabetes will increase all over the world, by as much as 80% in some regions, over the next ten years.
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin, and causes glucose (sugar) to build up in the blood.
Insulin is made by the pancreas. It is a hormone that changes glucose from the food we eat into energy that can be used by the body.
When the insulin is not produced or used effectively by the body, glucose can’t be converted into energy that the body can use. This means that the glucose stays in the blood, resulting in high blood glucose, which commonly leads to health problems.
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin. This type of diabetes usually occurs in people under 30 years of age.
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body does not properly use insulin. This type of diabetes usually occurs in people over 30 years of age.
Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Having gestational diabetes places affected women at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Many people when first diagnosed with diabetes are shocked, upset and worried about how their lives will change. You can get information from many sources such as your general practitioner, local health centre, diabetes centre, hospital and other health professionals.
Recommended lifestyle changes may include changes in:
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Food choices and amounts
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Increasing exercise
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Taking medication to help control blood glucose (sugar) levels
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Stop smoking
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Reducing alcohol intake
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Recommendations for healthy eating and regular exercise, which are part of managing diabetes, are similar to recommendations for everyone to promote good health. Often it helps to have someone to support you in making these changes. If you are a family member, friend or Carer of someone with diabetes you can play an important role in supporting that person to manage their diabetes. You can do this by learning about diabetes and the lifestyle changes that are recommended to achieve and maintain good health.
Talking with your relative or friend about their diabetes and understanding their feelings and any stresses is important. It is also recommended that you plan for any medical emergencies that may arise, like hypoglycemia if your relative or friend takes tablets or insulin for their diabetes. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator to put together an action plan. Mallee Health Service provides the services of Diabetes Educators; please call Mallee Community Health Services on 8576 4677.
Did you know?
Chronic diseases are by far the leading cause of death in the world and their impact is growing steadily. WHO figures published in the newly released report “Preventing Chronic Diseases: a vital investment” state that approximately 35 million people die each year as a result of the invisible global epidemic of chronic disease. Some 80% of all these deaths occur in low and middle income countries. Professor Pierre Lefèbvre, President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), explains that “It is estimated that over 3 million deaths can be attributed to diabetes each year.” He adds that “the dramatic rise in diabetes prevalence that can be found mainly in low and middle income countries is of particular concern.”
According to the WHO report, deaths from diabetes will increase by 80% in the Americas, by 50% in the Western Pacific and the Eastern Mediterranean regions, and by over 40% in Africa over the next ten years.
In its most common form, called type 2 diabetes, the condition is caused by a number of preventable risk factors such as unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. Worldwide there are currently one billion people who are overweight or obese. They are at increased risk of weight-related non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer. “Even more worrying is the increasing rate of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents and the related appearance of type 2 diabetes in the young”, said Professor Martin Silink, President-Elect of IDF.
“Chronic diseases cannot be ignored nor given lower priority”, declared Professor Lefèbvre. “Every country, regardless of its levels of resources can contribute to reducing the burden of chronic diseases through prevention and control. Although some resources are necessary, much can be achieved at little cost and investing in prevention is cost-effective. If risk factors were eliminated, at least 80% of all heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes would be eliminated.”
Diabetes currently affects almost 200 million people worldwide. IDF estimates that this figure will increase to 333 million by 2025.
For more information please contact
Diabetes Educator, Mallee Community Health Services (08) 8576 4677
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