Diabetes is often a preventable disease

Recognising National Diabetes Week held in July, we should take time to consider what we can do to overcome any risk we, and those we care about, may have of progressing to diabetes.

There is no doubt that diabetes is a serious health crisis affecting many millions of Australians, but it's not all bad news - in many cases it can be controlled and even prevented.

Experts are unanimous; we should avoid obesity, sedentary lifestyles, uncontrolled hypertension, high cholesterol and other abnormalities of blood lipids, and above all smoking. These days, people with diabetes do not commonly die from a diabetic coma but instead from heart disease, stroke and related conditions.

Fast facts - Diabetes in Australia:

• 275 Australians develop diabetes every day.

• Diabetes is Australia's fastest growing chronic disease.

• About 890,000 Australians are currently diagnosed with diabetes. The same number again may have it but not know.

• The total number of Australians with diabetes and pre-diabetes is estimated at 3.2 million.

• Up to 60% of cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented.

• The total financial cost of type 2 diabetes is estimated at $10.3 billion. Of this, carer costs were estimated as $4.4 billion, productivity losses were $4.1 billion, and health system costs were $1.1 billion.

Source: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

There are three main types of diabetes:

1. Type 1: Characterised by little or no insulin production and likely to develop before 18 years of age. Treatment generally involves insulin injections and careful dietary control. It is also known as insulin dependent diabetes.

2. Type 2: Characterised by resistance in the body's ability to use insulin and likely to develop after 40 years of age. Lifestyle factors such as diet, obesity and exercise are strongly associated with Type 2 diabetes. It is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

3. Gestational: Occurs during pregnancy in about 3-8% of females not previously diagnosed with diabetes. This form of diabetes usually resolves after pregnancy.

Source: www.abs.gov.au - Diabetes in Australia: A Snapshot, 2004-05

From Dr William Monday Chief Medical Officer, CommInsure:

Fortunately, your diabetic risk profile can improve or be optimised if you address lifestyle choices and control your diabetes. A number of areas can be addressed:

• Cease smoking (if you are a smoker).

• Lose weight if your Body Mass Index is elevated.

• Ensure that you regularly check your blood pressure and that it is controlled.

• Address your diet and avoid a diet high in cholesterol.

• Monitor your glucose control and maintain it at an optimal level which is an HBA1C below 7.

References
1. Lavie CJ, Milani RV, Ventura HO. Obesity and cardiovascular disease. Risk factor, paradox, and impact of weight loss. J Am Coll Cardiol 2009; 53:1925-1932.

2. Heartwire CME © 2009 MedscapeCME.

3. Diehr P, O'Meara ES, Fitzpatrick A, Newman AB, Kuller L, Burke G. Weight, Mortality, Years of Healthy Life, and Active Life Expectancy in Older Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2008 Jan;56(1):76-83.

The above article has been sourced from CommInsure National Technical Manager, Kyleigh Perkins, in a recent edition of the ‘Did you know?' series.

Important Information

The above information provides an overview or summary only and it shouldn’t be considered a comprehensive statement on any matter or relied upon as such. The above information doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. It’s important for you to consider these matters before making any financial decision and I recommend you seek help from a financial adviser.