DECODING DIABETES
Nnot sure if you’re’ at risk? i k? It’s time to get tested!
Diabetes affects 1.2 million Australians, but it’s a tricky disorder to diagnose. First up, there are two types. Type 1, which is genetic and unavoidable, occurs when the pancreas produces little or no insulin – so it needs to be replaced through lifelong injections.
Type 2 is the more common form (500,000 Aussies don’t even know they have it) and occurs when insulin production is reduced.
Unlike type 1, type 2 can develop as a result of a poor diet and not enough physical activity. Visceral fat (which surrounds your organs and produces a belly bulge) can put pressure on the insulin cells, rubbing them away. Without insulin, more sugar goes into the blood, which makes it “sticky” and unable to flow into tiny blood vessels.
Blindness, nerve damage to the feet and mood changes are just some of the serious complications of the condition.
“People often don’t know they have diabetes until their doctor does a blood test for Hba1c or blood glucose, or they develop a symptom like vision problems or fatigue,” says Priceline pharmacistst Jeyda Shiaxiates.
“It can be debilitating, and we’rere trying to pick it up before it reachesh that point.”
This October, Priceline is offering a free official diabetes screening service. Book online at priceline.com.au/missionhealth or stop by a store to complete the AUSDRISK assessment and access helpful tools designed to make diabetes prevention and management simple.