What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to automatically regulate blood glucose levels, resulting in too much glucose (a sugar) in the blood.
Glucose comes from foods that contain carbohydrate (starches and sugars); for example, breads and cereals, milk and dairy foods, fruits and some vegetables. Glucose travels in the blood stream to the muscles and other organs where it is used as fuel. Excess glucose is detoured to the liver where it is stored for future use. Glucose is the body’s preferred source of energy and our bodies need it to work efficiently, just like a car needs petrol to run.
The blood glucose level is regulated with the help of insulin, a hormone (or chemical messenger) made in the pancreas. >Insulin is the key that glucose needs to enter the body’s cells so that it can be used as fuel. Diabetes develops when the pancreas stops producing insulin (Type 1 diabetes or when the body does not respond properly to insulin (Type 2 diabetes). Insulin injections are necessary to treat Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can usually be controlled in the first instance by regular exercise and diet. Tablets and eventually insulin injections may be needed as the disease progresses. The normal blood glucose level ranges between 3.5-7.8 mmol/l.
Over time, high blood glucose levels may damage blood vessels and nerves. These complications of diabetes can cause damage to eyes, nerves and kidneys and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, impotence and foot problems. This damage can happen before an individual knows if they have diabetes if diabetes is undetected for a long time.
Studies have shown that if blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and blood pressure are kept within normal limits, the risk of damage to the body is reduced. Therefore, it is important to know if you have diabetes.
The symptoms of diabetes include:

• Thirst
• Frequent urination
• Tiredness or lack of energy
• Blurred vision
• Infections (eg. Thrush)
• Weight loss (in type 1 diabetes)

However, the symptoms of diabetes may not appear until blood glucose levels are above approximately 15mmol/l or higher. So, it is common to have diabetes without knowing about it.
In Australia, one adult in twelve has diabetes and the prevalence is increasing. Research has shown that for every person with known diabetes, there is another who has it but has not yet been diagnosed.
There are 3 main types of Diabetes:

• Type 1 (previously known as juvenile onset diabetes),
• Type 2 (previously known as mature onset diabetes) and
• Gestational Diabetes (occurring during pregnancy)

When should I be tested for diabetes?

Anyone 45 years old or older should consider getting tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and your BMI indicates that you are overweight .it is strongly recommended that you get tested. If you are younger than 45, are overweight, and have one or more of the risk factors, you should consider testing. Ask your doctor for a FPG or an OGTT. Your doctor will tell you if you have normal blood glucose, pre-diabetes, or diabetes. If your blood glucose is higher than normal but lower than the diabetes range (called pre-diabetes), have your blood glucose checked in 1 to 2 years.

What steps can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes?

A major research study, the Diabetes Prevention Program, confirmed that people who followed a low-fat, low-calorie diet, lost a modest amount of weight, and engaged in regular physical activity (walking briskly for 30 minutes, five times a week, for example) sharply reduced their chances of developing diabetes. These strategies worked well for both men and women and were especially effective for participants aged 60 and older.

How is diabetes managed?

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you can manage it with meal planning, physical activity, and, if needed, medications.

Points to Remember

• Diabetes and pre-diabetes are diagnosed by checking blood glucose levels.
• Many people with pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years.
• If you have pre-diabetes, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes with a low-fat, low-calorie diet, modest weight loss, and regular physical activity.
• If you are 45 or older, you should consider getting tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and overweight, it is strongly recommended that you get tested.
• If you are younger than 45, are overweight, and have one or more of the risk factors, you should consider testing.