Type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia. While there is no single cause for type 2 diabetes, there are well-established risk factors. Some risk factors can be controlled, however, some you are born with.
An estimated two million Australians are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There are also large numbers of people with silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, which may be damaging their bodies. There are different types of diabetes: the three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. At this stage, it is estimated that 58% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented.
You can do a lot to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes through positive lifestyle changes. It is estimated that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by up to 58% by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and following a healthy eating plan.
People at risk of type 2 diabetes can delay and even prevent the condition by:
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular physical activity
• Making healthy food choices
• Managing blood pressure
• Managing cholesterol levels
• Not smoking
Many people don’t know they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you would like more information about diabetes call into Flannery’s Pharmacy during August for free blood glucose monitoring with our pharmacy nurse or pharmacist.