What is diabetes:

Diabetes is when you have too much glucose in your blood. 

Thereare three main types of diabetes:

■ Type 1 – This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system
destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, over time the
pancreas will be no longer able to produce any insulin. Unfortunately, we
don't as yet know why this happens and there is no way of preventing it
happening.

■ Type 2- Is a condition where the body becomes resistant to the insulin being
produced in the pancreas resulting in the insulin not being able to do its job,
gradually the pancreas will lose its ability to produce enough insulin. There
are some modifiable risk factors that cause Type 2 diabetes, these are
generally linked to lifestyle for example obesity, poor diet choices, lack of
exercise, and smoking.

However, there are also risk factors that we can’t do much about such as
increasing age, ethnicity and family genetics

■ Gestational (GDM) – Occurs during pregnancy as a result of hormonal
changes which block the action of the woman’s insulin. As a result of this
insulin resistance the pancreas needs to make more insulin to keep the
glucose levels stable, if a woman has a pre disposition to insulin resistance
pre pregnancy then your body may not cope and you will be diagnosed with
Gestational Diabetes. All pregnant women will be checked at least once at
around 28 weeks’ gestation for Gestational Diabetes. Once the baby is born
generally the women’s insulin effectiveness will go back to normal and her
blood glucose levels will stabilize. In a few women this may not happen and
they will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
How common is it?

In Australia, someone is diagnosed with diabetes every 5 minutes. The majority of
people (85%) have type 2 diabetes and about 30 % are using insulin.
How serious is it?

At present there is no cure of either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, so you
will have it for life. Gestational diabetes tends to resolve once your
baby is born, but women that have gestational diabetes have an
increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes as they get older. Both
type 1 and type 2 diabetes are serious and the condition should not
be ignored. Long term diabetes can lead to problems with your eyes,
feet, kidneys and heart. The good news is that with good support and
management you can prevent the onset of these complications. At
Diabetes central we are here to guide you in your journey with
diabetes.

How can you manage it?
You can manage your glucose levels by making changes to your

diet and activity levels. At Diabetes Central we will spend time with
you discussing what you like to eat or do. Often with small changes
to the foods you eat or the activity you like to do, will help keep your
glucose levels stable and prevent the development of
complications.

Taking your medication as instructed so also vital in managing your
diabetes. For people with type 2 diabetes they often start with
tablets to manage glucose levels but may progress on to injectable
medications such as insulin.

People with type 1 will start immediately on insulin and will be
supported to learn how much insulin they need to suit their lifestyle.
Women with gestational diabetes generally will start off with diet
and exercise modification, if that doesn't help then it is usually
insulin that is prescribed, although some may be prescribed tablets.
Once the baby is born the medication whether it be insulin or tablets
is usually stopped.

We also have access to technology now, such as continuous
glucose monitoring and insulin pumps which are making it easier for
people with diabetes to manage their glucose levels. At Diabetes
Central we are up to date with all the new innovations and are
happy to guide and advise you on what technology might work for
you.

To book an appointment click here