This week (from July 8- 14, 2018) is National Diabetes Week and we at Synergy radiology are encouraging everyone to check in with their health.
Too many Australians are being diagnosed with diabetes too late. The is true for both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The delay in diagnosis is putting many people at risk of major life threatening health problems.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious complex condition which can affect the entire body. Diabetes requires daily self care and if complications develop, diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life and can reduce life expectancy. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and effectively managing it.
There are different types of diabetes; all types are complex and serious. The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Did you know that Diabetes:
- is the leading cause of blindness in adults
- is a leading cause of kidney failure
- is the leading cause of preventable limb amputations
- increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke by up to four times
Common symptoms include:
- Being more thirsty than usual
- Passing more urine
- Feeling tired and lethargic
- Always feeling hungry
- Having cuts that heal slowly
- Itching, skin infections
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss (type 1)
- Gradually putting on weight (type 2)
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy
- Leg cramps
Steps to help you with your health include:
- Keeping active and exercising regularly
- Eating well
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
In 2018, National Diabetes Week will continue to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and early treatment for all types of diabetes as part of the “It’s About Time” campaign.
Please visit the website www.itsabouttime.org.au for more information and resources.
