On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 33 I January/February 2020 | Page 14
Type 2
T
diabetes
ype 2 Diabetes is a chronic medical
condition in which levels of
glucose (a type of sugar) in the
blood become too high. Over time this
can lead to complications such as heart
disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness,
amputations and nerve damage.
Approximately 20% of those aged over
65 have Type 2 diabetes on the Central
Coast. The good news is that is with
early diagnosis and optimal treatment
you can reduce the risk of developing
complications.
What Causes Diabetes?
In Type 2 diabetes our body can no
longer effectively absorb glucose so high
levels build up in our blood stream. Our
pancreas produces insulin which is a
hormone that helps the body convert
glucose into energy by opening up
glucose channels into our muscles cells,
liver and other tissues. In diabetes the
glucose channels become more resistant
to insulin so the pancreas needs to
produce more and more insulin to help
the body absorb it (insulin resistance).
Eventually, the pancreas gets tired and
can’t keep up and not enough insulin is
produced to absorb the glucose. Over
time, the high blood glucose levels in
our blood stream can cause damage to
different parts of the body leading to
diabetes complications.
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ON T H E C OA S T – OV ER 5 5
Who is at risk of Diabetes?
People are at higher risk of diabetes
if they;
have a family history of type
2 diabetes
are overweight
have high blood pressure
smoke
have poor nutrition
have low levels of physical activity
are from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander background
are from certain ethnicities e.g Pacific
Island and Asia (including the Indian
sub-continent) Middle East, North
Africa, Southern Europe
have a history of gestational diabetes
or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
You can assess your risk by using the
Australian Type 2 Diabetes risk
assessment tool (AUSDRISK)
www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/risk-
calculator. This assessment should be done
by those at high risk, or aged 40 years and
older, every 3 years. If your risk if high
please see your doctor for a blood test.
Obviously we can’t change our
genetics but in over 50% of cases a
diagnosis of diabetes can be prevented
or delayed by following lifestyle
measures such as stopping smoking,
improving diet, increasing exercise and
reducing weight.
BY DR GEORGIA PAGE
Symptoms
The reason for delayed diagnosis for
many people with type 2 diabetes is that
there are often no symptoms. Therefore
complications of diabetes may already be
present by the time of diagnosis.
Symptoms can include;
tiredness
increased thirst
increased frequency of urination
increased infections
delayed healing of cuts
blurred vision
headaches
Testing for Diabetes
As many people with diabetes don’t
have any symptoms it is important to
talk to your doctor to assess your risk.
Guidelines recommend that those at
high risk or greater than 40 years of age
complete the AUSRISK assessment tool
every 3 years. If you are high risk or
have any symptoms your doctor may
order;
a fasting glucose blood test (with
nothing to eat and drink for at least 8
hours prior except for water)
a random glucose blood test
a glucose tolerance test (GTT) where
you fast and then have a sugary
drinking and have a blood test 1 and
2 hours later to see how your body
responds.