Tag Archives: World Diabetes Day

Nov 14 2019

NACCHO Aboriginal Health and #WorldDiabetesDay #mydiabetesfamily : Why are Indigenous Australians three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-indigenous Australians ?

” Indigenous Australians are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-indigenous Australians.

Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to life-threatening complications. If you’re living with type 2 diabetes there is a lot you can do to manage it and live well.

And for those who may be at risk there is a lot you can do to lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.”

Diabetes NSW & ACT has a range of information sheets specially designed for people from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds see Part 2 below to download facts sheets

Download HERE

ATSI_20180718_Reduce_Your-_Risk_Factsheet

  ‘Too many Australians especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are being diagnosed with diabetes too late. This 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.

Early diagnosis, treatment, ongoing support and management can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

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

It’s About Time we detected all types of diabetes earlier and save lives

See the itsabouttime.org.au for more info : Download resources 

” Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Improving the lives of people affected by all types of diabetes and those at risk among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is a priority for Diabetes Australia.

You can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by eating a more healthy diet and being physically active which will help maintain a healthy weight to keep your sugar (glucose) levels normal and your body strong.

If you have any worries about diabetes, check the symptoms below and find out more from your Aboriginal Health Worker, Health Clinic/Community Centre, Aboriginal Medical Service or doctor.”

Read over 160 NACCHO Aboriginal Health and Diabetes

More info HERE

Or watch NDSS Video HERE

Did you know diabetes…

  • Is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults?
  • Is a leading cause of kidney failure?
  • Is the leading cause of preventable limb amputations?
  • Increase a person’s risk of heart attacks and stroke by up to four times?

It’s about time you made ‘me time’, took time out and put you first. There is no time to lose. The earlier type 2 diabetes is detected,  the more lives will be saved.   

Type 2 Diabetes

Many Australians will live with type 2 diabetes for up to seven years before being diagnosed. More than 500,000 Australians are living with silent silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.

If not diagnosed in time, it can cause blindness, kidney damage, amputation and heart attack.

Although you can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, your risk increases if you are over 40, especially if you are overweight or have a family history of type 2 diabetes.

It’s about time you took the time to get checked. A type 2 diabetes risk check only takes a minute.

The earlier people are diagnosed, the more time they have to live well and reduce their risk of complications.

During this time, type 2 diabetes can do serious harm and lead to:

  • Blindness
  • Kidney damage
  • Amputation
  • Heart attack and stroke

Read more 

Find out your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Calculate your risk

Type 1 Diabetes

Every year 640 children and adults are admitted to hospital because the early signs of type 1 diabetes are missed.

If not diagnosed in time, type 1 diabetes can be fatal.

It’s about time you took the time to learn the 4 T’s – the early warning signs of type 1 diabetes. It takes just a minute to learn. If you see the signs, don’t waste time and see you doctor immediately. If not diagnosed in time it can be fatal.

Learning the 4T’s could just save a life.

  • Toilet – going to the toilet a lot
  • Tired – unexplained or excessive fatigue
  • Thirsty – a thirst that can’t be quenched
  • Thinner – sudden or unexplained weight loss

Read more

Part 2 Diabetes NSW & ACT has a range of information sheets specially designed for people from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds:

If you’d like any additional information or support, call our Helpline on 1300 342 238.