Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia. It occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood because the body is not producing insulin or not using insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps remove glucose from the blood to help keep blood sugar levels under control.
There are three types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce any insulin at all and lifelong insulin injections are required for survival. The disease can occur at any age, although it mostly occurs in children and young adults.
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas is not producing enough insulin and the insulin is not working effectively. It represents 85-90% of all cases of diabetes. Risk factors include family history, ethnic background and being overweight – particularly around the waist. Lifestyle factors such as unhealthy eating and a lack of physical activity can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. It is managed through lifestyle and may require diabetes medication as well as insulin therapy.
Gestational Diabetes is usually found by having a blood test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy and mostly disappears after the birth2. It’s managed with lifestyle and medications, such as blood-glucose-lowering tablets or insulin. Women who’ve had gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
PRE-DIABETES
At least 2 million Australians have pre-diabetes and are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a condition when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Left untreated it may develop into type 2 diabetes within five to ten years. Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy and balanced diet, maintaining a healthy body weight and regular exercise may assist with preventing the onset of pre-diabetes.
DIABETES PREVENTION
Up to 60% of type 2 diabetes could be prevented*
Your lifestyle choices can prevent or, at least, delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. You cannot change risk factors like age and your genetic background. You can do something about being overweight, your waist measurement, how active you are, eating habits, or smoking. We also stock products that may help prevent the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
IsoWhey has been developed for people who are looking to lead a healthier lifestyle and manage their weight with confidence. It contains the highest grade whey protein that will keep you fuller for longer and maintain muscle mass whilst you lose fat.
Chromium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in glucose metabolism. Taking a supplement containing chromium such as Ethical Nutrients Chromium Sugar Balance may, in healthy individuals, help maintain blood sugar, support normal healthy blood sugar and assist normal carbohydrate metabolism.
It is recommended to consult your health care professional regarding the best method of pre-diabetes and diabetes management.
Diabetes: LOOKING AFTER YOUR FEET
When you have diabetes you need to take very good care of your feet every day. If you do this then you can prevent serious complications. Your feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and the blood supply. As well as checking your feet and seeing a health professional, such as a podiatrist, for regular checks, you can wear special diabetic socks to help protect your feet. Ideal socks should have non-elasticated cuffs, no prominent seams, keep feet warm (particularly for winter use) and allow feet to breathe and sweat to dry out (particularly for summer use). Ask in-store about the socks we offer to suit your needs.