Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood are too high. Blood glucose levels are normally regulated by the hormone insulin, which is made by the pancreas. In people with diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or there is a problem with how the body’s cells respond to it.

While there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the disease and effectively managing it.

The main types of diabetes are called type 1 and type 2.

Other varieties include gestational diabetes, diabetes insipidus and pre-diabetes.

Management

Management of Diabetes is very important, and St. Mary Medial Centre is here to assist you. We Offer our patients Diabetes information, do regular Diabetes checks , we can download your Blood sugar levels from your FreeStyle Meter to store in your file. If necessary our Doctors can refer you to Dieticians, Diabetic Educators & Diabetes Australia.

Life style management

• Make every meal well-balanced
• Coordinate your meals and medications
• Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages
• Physical activity
• Know your numbers. Talk to your doctor about what blood sugar levels are appropriate for you
• Check your blood sugar level
• Stay hydrated
• Be prepared. Always have a small snack or glucose tablet with you in case your blood sugar drops too low

Prevention

Check your risk of diabetes -Take the Life! risk assessment test and learn more about your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. On arvial to our clinic you may be asked to fill a Diabetes Risk Assesment form. If your score is in the moderate to high cateagory your form will be given to your Dcotor and the nurse to follow up with you.

Manage your weight– Excess body fat, particularly if stored around the abdomen, can increase the body’s resistance to the hormone insulin.

Keep Active– Moderate physical activity on most days of the week helps manage weight, reduce blood glucose levels and may also improve blood pressure and cholesterol.

Eat a balanced diet– Reduce the amount of fat in your diet.

Quit smoking– Smokers are twice as likely to develop diabetes as non-smokers.

Control your blood pressure– Most people can do this with regular exercise, a balanced diet and by keeping a healthy weight. In some cases, you might need medication prescribed by your doctor.

For further information

• Diabetes Australia-Works in partnership with consumers, health professionals and researchers www.diabetesaustralia.com.au