Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is a common condition affecting approximately 270,000 people in New Zealand. The rate of diabetes is increasing both in New Zealand and throughout the world. The main types of diabetes are:

1. Type 1 diabetes – the pancreas stops producing insulin. Onset is usually in childhood and unrelated to body weight.
2. Type 2 diabetes – the insulin produced is not working effectively in transporting glucose from the blood to the body’s cells. Onset in adulthood or occasionally teenage years. Most common type of diabetes.
3. Gestational Diabetes - diabetes only during pregnancy, however these women are at higher risk of developing diabetes later on.

Obesity is the number one risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. According to the World Health Organisation 80% of all Type 2 diabetes is preventable if we keep to a healthy body weight, eat healthier foods and keep physically active.

Key Points:

1. It affects thousands of families and contributes to significant hardship through poor health, financial, social, physical, psychological and emotional impacts
2. For each person we know has diabetes, there is probably another person (often a family member) that doesn’t realise they also have it.
3. Early treatment is important as it can reduce or prevent damage to your eyes, kidneys, heart, feet and brain
4. Did you know anyone with diabetes can receive a free “Diabetes Get Checked” visit each year from your doctor or practice nurse?