Type 2 Diabetes – What it is, & how to avoid developing it
What is diabetes, and who gets it?
In Australia we are seeing an epidemic of Type 2 diabetes, with escalating numbers of cases newly diagnosed each year. Diabetes occurs in several forms, the less common form found in children (Type 1) and the increasingly common form that you, as an Australian adult, are at risk for (Type 2). Both types involve the body’s ability to either produce or use the hormone insulin to process the energy in food. This article will focus on the second type.
One main risk factor is being overweight. It is now widely recognised that Australians have a weight problem, with 50% of the population being overweight, or obese. But apart from extra weight, other risk factors include high blood pressure, physical inactivity and cardio-vascular disease. Various genetic, cultural, and socio-economic factors can contribute to the risk. It has been noted that some groups in Australia are at higher risk than others, such as Pacific Islanders & Maoris, Greeks & Italians, and Asians particularly from China and Vietnam. Also of special concern are women who had temporary gestational diabetes during their pregnancies, as these women are now known to be at particular risk of later developing Type 2 diabetes. NSW Health Department statistics show that women from Asia are disproportionately affected this way, compared to European-Australian women, although the reason is unclear.
Apart from these particular risks, every adult in Australia is at risk for developing diabetes simply by getting older each day, as the physical changes that accompany ageing make us increasingly vulnerable.
What is it like to live with diabetes?
Once diagnosed with diabetes people have to change their lives in major ways. You have to keep track of blood sugar levels by lancing your skin and drawing out a sample of blood to measure frequently throughout the day, and carefully monitor everything you eat and drink. You will be taking regular insulin in the form of tablets or injections.
If your doctor allows you to drink alcohol you must take extra special care because it can interfere with your diabetic medication. Alcohol may also make you less aware of developing a hypoglycaemic state (“hypo”) so that you do not respond as you would normally by treating it quickly. Confusion develops rapidly and you will be unable to take action. That is why you should always wear a form of medical information alerting others that you have diabetes, so others can assist you.
People who are unable to control their blood sugar progressively deteriorate so that the disease can result in blindness, or require amputation of their feet. Other complications can include stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage and heart disease.
What can you do to prevent getting diabetes?
Recent research demonstrates that Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with diet and exercise. And the prescription could not be more straightforward: at a minimum walk briskly for 30 minutes on 5 days of the week, preferably more, and keep your weight under control. Even the loss of only 5% of your weight can offer benefits and protection from developing Type 2 diabetes. Healthy tips about losing weight abound, but eating less and exercising more are the keys to success.
Dietary Guidelines for a healthy lifestyle
In 1999 the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) developed the Dietary Guidelines for Older Australians in recognition of the changing nutritional needs that occur with aging. These guidelines provide information encouraging all older Australians to adopt a healthy lifestyle:
1. Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods
2. Keep active to maintain muscle strength and a healthy body weight
3. Eat at least three meals every day
4. Care for your food: prepare and store it correctly
5. Eat plenty of vegetables (including legumes) and fruit
6. Eat plenty of cereals, breads and pastas
7. Eat a diet low in saturated fat
8. Drink adequate amounts of water and/or other fluids
9. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake
10. Choose foods low in salt and use salt sparingly
11. Include foods high in calcium
12. Use added sugars in moderation
Where can you find out more?
For specific dietary guidelines for children, teenagers, young adults, or the special needs of athletes, please visit the Nutrition Australia website. The Diabetes Australia website also has a wealth of information about all aspects of diet, prevention, and lifestyle.
Many people have a condition called “pre-diabetes” but are unaware of it. Therefore, it would be advisable to discuss diabetes with your GP and ask if a blood test for your sugar levels is a good idea. The earlier the condition is found the more effective any action to address it will be.
Diabetes Australia can also assist newly diagnosed patients and their families with a helpful information packet, and by registering you for the National Diabetes Services Scheme, which subsidises blood and urine testing materials, syringes and needles. Contact the NSW office on 1300 136 588.
If you are still healthy, your best bet to avoid Type 2 diabetes in the future is by educating yourself now, and disciplining yourself to follow a healthy lifestyle program of the right food and exercise. It is, after all, a Christian duty to be a good steward of all God’s gifts to us, and that includes our wonderful bodies.
Leslie McCawley BS, MPH
EA/Research Advisor
Office of Rev the Hon Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC
References:
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-prevention
http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
www.foodscience.csiro.au/healthy-foods.htm
www.nutritionaustralia.org/