So you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, what now?

We often hear the word ‘diabetes’ thrown around, but you’d be forgiven for not knowing a whole lot about the ubiquitous disease.

While the impact of diabetes can be different for everyone, the symptoms are often manageable. However, if diabetes is left untreated or undiagnosed for an extended period of time, it can lead to serious health complications further down the line.

If you’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, tools for managing the condition are key.

Below, an introduction to diabetes, including what to do if you’re at risk of the condition and information on how your Amcal pharmacy can help you.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term illness caused when a person’s blood has difficulty maintaining insulin for energy.

If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can lead to further health complications down the line, and therefore, addressing your personal risk makes for effective prevention.

Though there’s no known cure for diabetes, it’s very often manageable if diagnosed at the right time.

If you have diabetes, you won’t be in a small minority—according to Diabetes Australia, some 1.7 million Australians are currently living with diabetes.

What’s the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes, the less common form of the disease, is thought to be caused by a genetic link (if there’s a history of diabetes in your family, for example). Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and requires lifelong treatment.

Type 2 diabetes can be spurred on by genetics, age (those over 40 are particularly at risk) and lifestyle, including poor diet and a lack of exercise over a number of years. Thus, while also linked to genetics, it can be prevented or avoided altogether through preventative methods – something an Amcal Diabetes Risk Assessment can help you with.

A small finger-prick test is used as part of the assessment to help determine your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

How do I know if I’m at risk of having diabetes?

If you’ve been flagged as someone potentially at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best way to steer clear of more serious ramifications and further detriments to your health.

The easiest way to find out your risk is by getting a type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment at your local Amcal pharmacy. While there, you can get a quick and easy finger-prick blood test, as well as answer some questions about your lifestyle, family history and health status, which can assess your risk of developing diabetes, and from there, what steps to take.

I’ve been diagnosed with diabetes – now what?

It’s ok to feel overwhelmed after receiving a diagnosis from your doctor but remember there are steps you can take to help manage your diabetes.

Once diagnosed, your doctor will provide you with information and help you establish a management plan that’s based on your lifestyle, eating habits and medical history. While there is not yet a cure for diabetes, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious health problems associated with diabetes by keeping your blood glucose levels within a healthy range.

For anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes, you can register with the National Diabetes Services Scheme, a government initiative that provides subsidised products, education and support to people with diabetes.

For additional support, you can also visit your local Amcal pharmacist, who can provide you with steps you can take to manage your diabetes. These steps may include improving your diet, more regular exercise, reducing your weight as well as regular checkups with your doctor and pharmacist.

Amcal pharmacists are also able to advise on products and medications for those with diabetes, including dietary supplements, and can help you manage your diabetes at home.

Make a booking online here.

Brought to you by Amcal