Health Services - Diabetes
Symptoms of Diabetes
Early symptoms of diabetes can often go unnoticed, making regular screening essential:
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Blurred vision
Carrying excess weight can overwhelm the pancreas, leading to high blood sugar levels. While glucose is vital for survival, excessive amounts can be toxic to the body, causing damage to every system.
Understanding Diabetes: Prevention and Management
Diabetes is a disease affecting the pancreas, a small but vital organ located near the liver and stomach. One of the pancreas’s essential functions is producing insulin—a hormone that helps store extra sugar (glucose) in the body for later use.
Despite Type II diabetes being a common condition, many people remain unsure about what diabetes is and how it differs between Type I and Type II.
Type I vs. Type II Diabetes
Type I Diabetes:
An autoimmune disease where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
Often genetic and typically develops at a young age.
Not usually associated with being overweight.
Type II Diabetes:
Far more common than Type I, especially among men.
Often appears at a younger age in men, increasing the risk of complications like heart attacks, strokes, nerve damage (e.g., peripheral neuropathy), erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, blindness, and even leg amputation.
Risk Factors for Type II Diabetes
Certain lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, and demographic factors increase the risk of developing Type II diabetes:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Being overweight with an elevated waist circumference
- Smoking cigarettes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Family history of diabetes
- Increasing age (risk increases from age 35)
- Male gender
- Previous elevated blood glucose levels, including during gestational diabetes
- Inadequate intake of vegetables and fruit
- Ethnic backgrounds: Asian, Middle Eastern, North African, or Southern European descent
Diabetes Testing and Screening
Diabetes may present no symptoms, making regular screening crucial. A fasting glucose blood test is the standard method to check for diabetes, recommended when risk factors are identified in your health history.
Your GP can advise on the necessity of a diabetes test and guide you through the screening process. You can also use the Australian Diabetes Risk Assesment Tool to assess your own risk online.
If you are concerned about your risk of diabetes or want to learn more about managing symptoms, speak with your doctor today. Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in preventing long-term health complications.
Take control of your health and discuss your risk of diabetes and preventive measures with your healthcare provider.