Member Login
A+ A- | Print
Home / About Diabetes
Diabetes is a Chronic Health Condition Diabetes is disorder in which the body cannot make proper use of carbohydrate in food because the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the insulin produced is ineffective, or a combination of both. Glucose comes from the digestion of carbohydrates in food. Insulin is the hormone responsible for helping glucose move into the body’s cells where it is used for energy. Glucose is also stored in the liver ready for use, but if carbohydrate is overeaten then it is stored as fat. When insulin is not present or is ineffective, glucose builds up in the blood. Higher levels of glucose in the blood may lead to health problems such as diabetes. If undiagnosed (which can occur in type 2 diabetes) or diabetes is difficult to manage, it can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, amputation and erectile dysfunction. Diabetes is Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease, with approximately 275 people across the nation developing the condition every day. In Western Australia alone, there are more than 90,000 people now diagnosed with diabetes and for every person diagnosed, it is estimated that there is another person who is not diagnosed. Much research is being done world wide to discover the cures for diabetes. What are the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes? Thirst Frequent urination Lethargy or being very tired Blurred vision Sudden unexplained/unplanned weight loss: type 1 diabetes Possible weight gain: type 2 diabetes Infections or wounds that don't improve Constant hunger Mood swings Often in type 2 diabetes signs and symptoms may not be present. How is Diabetes Managed? Depending on the type of diabetes, management includes: Insulin replacement: type 1 diabetes Progression to medication – tablets and/or insulin: type 2 diabetes Regular physical activity Healthy eating – low in fat (particularly saturated fat), high fibre, including some low GI Maintaining a 'healthy waist' (reducing fat around your abdomen) Regular health checks with your diabetes team Applying stress management techniques Monitor your blood glucose levels Education – finding out what you need to know to take responsibility for your health What Are the Aims of Treatment? In a nutshell, the aim of diabetes treatment is to help you feel well, be healthy and enjoy life. Medically, diabetes treatment aims to keep blood glucose levels as near normal as possible - target ranges need to be discussed with your diabetes team as to what is suitable for you. Together with control of cholesterol (blood fat) and blood pressure, this will help prevent the long-term complications which can affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and circulation.
Glucose comes from the digestion of carbohydrates in food. Insulin is the hormone responsible for helping glucose move into the body’s cells where it is used for energy. Glucose is also stored in the liver ready for use, but if carbohydrate is overeaten then it is stored as fat. When insulin is not present or is ineffective, glucose builds up in the blood. Higher levels of glucose in the blood may lead to health problems such as diabetes.
If undiagnosed (which can occur in type 2 diabetes) or diabetes is difficult to manage, it can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, amputation and erectile dysfunction.
Diabetes is Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease, with approximately 275 people across the nation developing the condition every day. In Western Australia alone, there are more than 90,000 people now diagnosed with diabetes and for every person diagnosed, it is estimated that there is another person who is not diagnosed.
Much research is being done world wide to discover the cures for diabetes.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes?
Often in type 2 diabetes signs and symptoms may not be present.
How is Diabetes Managed?
Depending on the type of diabetes, management includes:
What Are the Aims of Treatment? In a nutshell, the aim of diabetes treatment is to help you feel well, be healthy and enjoy life. Medically, diabetes treatment aims to keep blood glucose levels as near normal as possible - target ranges need to be discussed with your diabetes team as to what is suitable for you. Together with control of cholesterol (blood fat) and blood pressure, this will help prevent the long-term complications which can affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and circulation.
Diabetes is too serious to ignore. Take our online tick test now and assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Find out more
Download our current NDSS Access Point lists to find one in your area.
We have a range of services to help people to understand their diabetes and live well with the condition.