Undiagnosed Diabetes?

General Health
Undiagnosed Diabetes?

Undiagnosed Diabetes?

9 August 2018|
Dr Georgia Radic|
General Health|

There may be half a million people, right now, in Australia with undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes.

Diabetes Australia posted some startling figures during Diabetes awareness week last month.

Now for those of you who don’t know much about Type 2 diabetes, this may not be a concerning figure. However, it’s important for everyone to understand a little bit about Type 2 Diabetes and it’s prevention, diagnosis and management. This blog will also discuss how we as Osteopaths can help you with some of the most important aspects of its prevention and management.

Type 2 Diabetes can be summarised as someone with an unusually high blood glucose. High levels of glucose in your blood will cause progressively worsening damage to your body over time. An example of this is the current medical research which indicates undiagnosed diabetes as a leading cause of blindness, kidney damage, heart attacks and amputations.¹

There are groups of people who have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and they include:

Anyone with a previous cardiovascular events (ie. Stroke, coronary artery disease, etc)
Individuals with a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
People using certain types of antipsychotic medication²
People with an AUSDRISK score over 12³

Whilst the above list shows the HIGH RISK individuals, anyone can develop diabetes.

Diabetes Australia recommends that anyone over the age of 40 should be screened every 3 years by their GP.

As mentioned above, thankfully there is action that individuals can take to prevent and manage this chronic condition. When followed, this advice can significantly reduce the health risks associated with Type 2 Diabetes.

Some of the best preventative measures for Type 2 Diabetes include:

Maintaining a healthy weight range
Ensure you’re getting adequate exercise
Eating a healthy and balanced diet
Ensure you get screened if you are a high-risk individual or suspect you may have Type 2 Diabetes
Schedule screenings with your GP for every 3 years if you are over the age of 40.

As Osteopaths, we can help you with perhaps the most effective preventative measure: EXERCISE

Pain is a common reason for people to avoid regular exercise, which can unfortunately leads to an overall decrease in health as well as excessive weight gain, both of which can dramatically increase your risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Osteopaths are trained to assist you in addressing physical limitations. This can include anything from injury treatment and rehabilitation, organising an individual exercise program, and correcting postural dysfunctions which may increase your risk of injury, to help get you on the road to better health as soon as possible.

For further information please talk to your GP, osteopath or visit the Diabetes Australia website