Diabetes care and management

There is no easy fix when it comes to successful diabetes care, although the condition is increasingly common in Australia.

Diabetes is a condition giving a person higher than normal blood sugar levels. It is a serious and complex condition that can affect the entire body. When someone has diabetes, their body is unable to maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood. Glucose is the form of sugar that is the primary source of energy for our bodies.

The two types of diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1: An autoimmune condition in which the immune system is activated to destroy the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Type 2: A progressive condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and/or gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin in the pancreas.

Diabetes Australia says both types of diabetes are increasing in Australia. Type 1 diabetes currently accounts for around 10% of all diabetes and Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85%. Gestational diabetes, that occurs during pregnancy, accounts for the remaining 5%.

At its worst, diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. It can also cause kidney failure and is a major cause of limb amputations.

The elements of diabetes care

There is no cure for diabetes. However, patients can manage this condition successfully with their medical practitioners. Those with the condition can continue to live healthy, productive and enjoyable lives.

At Main Road Medical Centre we like to help our diabetes patients achieve this by conducting regular check-ups. At least once a year we undertake a full blood examination. We examine not only the sugars, but also organs including the liver and kidneys as well as testing your urine. At this time we also like to undertake tests on the blood vessels of the legs to identify any potential issues with arteries or circulation.

Whether or not the patient is on regular medication, we like them to come and see us every three months for complete blood work that allows us to monitor how their blood sugar levels are tracking and adjust the levels of medication as necessary.

What else is required?

It’s important to remember that medication and regular check-ups are not the sole requirements of successful diabetes management. You have to work hard to be fine. Diabetes is a life-changer and the best way to reduce the impact of the condition has to do with the lifestyle of the diabetes patients themselves.

If you or someone you love has the condition, it is important you play your part by ensuring they incorporate more healthy food and regular exercise into their daily routine. It is imperative that cigarettes are eliminated completely from the sufferer’s lifestyle. Not only will these changes reduce the risks of cardiovascular problems related to diabetes but they will go a long way to ensuring a long and healthy life.