Diabetes

 

Diabetes is a serious but treatable disease in which the bodies ability to either produce or secrete insulin becomes diminished. According to Diabetes Australia, it is estimated that 275 new Australians develop diabetes each day. Despite this alarming figure, up to 60% of diabetes cases are preventable through healthy diet and lifestyle choices.

There are 3 common forms of diabetes:

Type I

Type II

Gestational

Type I diabetes is primarily genetic, caused by the body being unable to adequately produce insulin, leading to deficiency.

Type II diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is developed due to the body forming either an insulin resistance or a decrease in insulin sensitivity.

Gestational diabetes is similar to Type II diabetes and occurs in a small percentage of women during pregnancy. Although completely treatable, the onset of Gestational diabetes commonly leads to the development of Type II diabetes later in life.

 

Complications arising from diabetes can be fatal, and include the following:

Heart disease

Stroke

Kidney failure

Blindness

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Lipid abnormalities

Fortunately, complications are far less common or severe in patients who are able to control their blood sugar levels. This can be achieved through an assessment of diet and lifestyle to help create an individual diabetic friendly meal plan. 

Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) is a condition in which blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to give a diagnosis of diabetes. Studies show that 70% of people with IGT will go on to develop Type II diabetes. For most people, this progression can be delayed or even reversed by reducing calorie and fat intake, having a more active lifestyle, and losing weight.