WORLD DIABETES DAY - NOV 14TH
Diabetes is a major health problem in Australia! 280 Australians develop diabetes everyday. Thats over 2.1 million diagnosed people living with diabetes in 2020. Diabetes is also the fasted growing illness in Australia.
But what is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1: is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system is activated to destroy the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin.
Not preventable or curable
Often born with the disease or develops in childhood
Represents only 10percent of all diabetes cases in Australia
It has nothing to do with lifestyle
More likely genetic related
It is managed with insulin injections
Type 2: Is a progressive condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and can gradually lose the capacity to produce enough insulin.
Lifestyle related
Can be more at risk with a family history of diabetes
People are at higher risk if they are: overweight, over 55, have high blood pressure, smokers
Has experienced gestational diabetes while pregnant
There is currently no cure for type 1 or type 2 so what can we do? Education and awareness are the most powerful keys. Knowing the symptoms to be able to prevent diabetes (type 2), but also potentially saving a life by knowing the signs and symptoms in those around you.
I think the most important thing we need to do is spread wellness. Live a healthy lifestyle, be a role model and encourage those around you to also live a healthy lifestyle. Eat fresh and healthy, move regularly and practice being present.
(https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/diabetes-in-australia/).