World Diabetes Day - Nov 14th

Diabetes is a major health problem in Australia! 280 Australians develop diabetes everyday. Thats over 2.1 million diagnosed people living with diabetes in 2020. Diabetes is also the fasted growing illness in Australia.

But what is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1: is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system is activated to destroy the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin.

• Not preventable or curable
• Often born with the disease or develops in childhood
• Represents only 10percent of all diabetes cases in Australia
• It has nothing to do with lifestyle
• More likely genetic related
• It is managed with insulin injections

Type 2: Is a progressive condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and can gradually lose the capacity to produce enough insulin.

• Lifestyle related
• Can be more at risk with a family history of diabetes
• People are at higher risk if they are: overweight, over 55, have high blood pressure, smokers
• Has experienced gestational diabetes while pregnant

There is currently no cure for type 1 or type 2 so what can we do? Education and awareness are the most powerful keys. Knowing the symptoms to be able to prevent diabetes (type 2), but also potentially saving a life by knowing the signs and symptoms in those around you.

I think the most important thing we need to do is spread wellness. Live a healthy lifestyle, be a role model and encourage those around you to also live a healthy lifestyle. Eat fresh and healthy, move regularly and practice being present.

(https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/diabetes-in-australia/).