In their 50th year, Diabetes Queensland asks for your help to promote public awareness of all types of diabetes, the symptoms of diabetes and why a timely diabetes diagnosis makes a big difference.
It’s about time takes up our warning in 2017 that more than 100,000 Queenslanders have type 2 diabetes but don’t know it. We want everyone to know about type 2, check for type 2 and diagnose type 2 early.
It’s about time is a reminder that in 60 per cent of cases of type 2 diabetes, early diagnosis can prevent the onset of serious complications such as blindness, kidney or cardiovascular disease and lower limb amputations.
It’s about time identifies the sudden onset of type 1 diabetes and that any delay in a type 1 diagnosis increases the risk of the medical emergency of diabetic ketoacidosis.
In National Diabetes Week 2018, take time to learn the four ‘T’s of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis.
- Thirsty – really thirsty and unable to quench that thirst?
- Toilet – going to the toilet a lot?
- Tired – more tired than usual?
- Thinner – recently lost weight?
If you see these signs, see your doctor straight away.
Who is at risk?
Many Australians are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While family history and genetics play a role, your lifestyle can also have a significant effect on whether you develop type 2 diabetes.
Your risk for type 2 diabetes is higher if you:
- Have a family history type 2 diabetes
- Developed diabetes during pregnancy
- Are more than 40 years of age
- Are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
- Don’t get enough exercise
- Have high blood pressure
- Are overweight, measured as body mass index > 25 (weight/height2)
- Have a waist measurement above 94cm for men, or 80cm for women
- Have a poor diet, containing too much fatty and sugary food
You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by:
- Reducing the amount of kilojoules (fat and sugar) in your diet
- Eating healthy foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables
- Losing weight (if you are overweight)
- Exercising for 30 minutes each day, and
- Reducing your alcohol intake
If you are concerned that yourself or someone else is at risk of becoming diabetic, call and make an appointment 07 4242 5300 or online here
If you are over 40, call and ask our friendly reception staff to book you in with one of our Nurses and your usual Doctor for a health assessment today! 07 4242 5300
