On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 33 I January/February 2020 | Page 15

Glycosylated haemoblobin (HbA1c) blood test (this gives an indication of your average blood glucose levels over the last 3 months) Management The good news is that Type 2 diabetes can often be managed initially by making lifestyle changes to reduce your blood glucose levels and reduce your risk of complications such as heart disease and stroke. This includes : ƒ following a healthy diet low in sugar ƒ increasing physical activity ƒ reducing weight Your doctor may recommend you see a dietician, diabetes educator or exercise physiologist to help you with your blood glucose monitoring and a healthy lifestyle program. There are also some great online resources available. Sometimes lifestyle measures are not enough and as the disease progresses the pancreas just can’t keep up with maintaining low blood glucose levels. Your doctor may then prescribe tablets to help with the absorption of glucose and in some cases insulin may be required. This doesn’t mean your diet and exercise program should stop however. It is also important to ensure blood pressure and cholesterol levels remain in the recommended range and that your are regularly monitored for complications of diabetes. This may include having regular eye checks with an optometrist or eye specialist, regular foot checks with a podiatrist, and regular blood and urine tests to monitor your glucose control and kidney function. Your GP will help coordinate your care and ensure your diabetes health checks are up to date. SUMMARY Type 2 Diabetes is a common chronic condition which can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle measures such as a healthy diet, exercise and weight loss The aim of early detection and treatment is to reduce levels of glucose in the blood to prevent complications of diabetes such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems and amputations. Your health care team can help you manage your diabetes effectively with the most important member of the diabetes team being you. RESOURCES Your General Practitioner www.diabetesaustralia.com.au www.gethealthynsw.com.au/ www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/risk-calculator www.ndss.com.au/ Georgia enjoys all aspects of general practice and has been working at Your Family Doctors at Erina for the last 12 years. The practice has lovely new rooms and has a fabulous team of Doctors and Nurses, some of whom are accepting new patients. They pride themselves on delivering good quality health care, with that special personal touch. For more information call 4365 4999, check the website www.yourfamilydoctors.com.au or like them on facebook. A day trip to remember... Ride the Ferry and have lunch at the Davo! Ferry Trip & Lunch Package ONLY $30 per head Only 2 minutes’ walk from Woy Woy station the M.V Saratoga departs Fisherman’s Wharf Monday to Friday at 10.45am and 12.30pm and on the weekends 9.30am, 10.45am or 12.30pm for a relaxing ride on the beautiful Brisbane Waters. There is an option of a 1 ½ hour COCKATOO ferry cruise departing from 10:15am with return on the regular ferry at 1:15pm or 2:15pm. Inform the Boat Captain and he will ring the club prior to your arrival where the bus will pick you up from Davistown Wharf and bring you to Davistown RSL Club. The bus will then depart the club at either 1.00pm and 2.00pm for your return journey home. Bookings are essential. For more information contact Davistown RSL Club on 4363-0103 and Central Coast Ferries on 0418 63 13 13. Email [email protected] 2 Course Menu – Main & Dessert Minimum of 25 people For your next group booking look no further than Davistown RSL with a wide variety of choices. DAVISTOWN RSL CLUB Highly Commended 2014 Chef’s Table JANUARY/FEBRUARY – ISSUE 33 15