Diabetes… the facts.

Diabetes is a chronic condition where there is excess glucose in the bloodstream, due to the body’s inability to adequately produce or properly use insulin. About 1 million Aussies are reported to have Diabetes and it is the 6th leading cause of death in our country. Before developing Type 2 Diabetes, nearly all patients have “pre-diabetes”.

Approximately 2 million Australians are estimated to be pre-diabetic, which if undiagnosed, will progress to Type 2 Diabetes. Certainly something to take seriously!

We know that lifestyle changes, including a controlled diet and regular exercise, can effectively manage Type 2 Diabetes without the need for medication in the early stages of this disease. In advanced stages, lifestyle modification can reduce the dependence on medication and it is widely accepted that these changes form an integral component of management with these patients.

Exercise is strongly advocated for all diabetics, provided their blood glucose and diabetes complications are controlled. Both cardio respiratory and resistance exercise is generally recommended, as they help to improve glycaemic control, reduce body fat and improve cardiovascular health.

How do you know if you are at risk? Your GP will be able to assess if you are a Diabetic, or at high risk of developing it, depending on numerous lifestyle choices, family history and glucose testing. Worth asking about next time you visit your doctor.

Are you a Type 2 Diabetic? Do you need help with healthy lifestyle advice? If so, you may be eligible for our HEAL program.