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Living With Diabetes

DIABETES: THE FACTS

Diabetes poses a serious problem in New Zealand with around 115,000 people diagnosed with the condition and 40,000 to 60,000 more who have the condition but haven't yet been diagnosed.Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the body kills off its own insulin-making cells in an organ called the pancreas. Insulin is the hormone that regulates the body's sugar (glucose) levels.Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas doesn't release enough insulin for the body's needs - and, in addition, the body becomes more resistant to the effects of its own insulin. Also known as "gradual onset" diabetes, this type usually strikes after the age of 40.In diabetes, glucose can't enter the cells of the body and stays in a high level in the bloodstream. This can change the structure of blood vessels causing heart, eye and kidney problems and even impotence. It can also cause nerve damage, especially in the feet. Diabetes can't be cured but can be treated effectively through diet and possibly medication with input from the patient and support from family/whanau and the general practice team.People with diabetes are entitled to one free diabetes health check every year. Your GP/nurse will check a side range of things including your:
  • general health
  • weight
  • blood pressure
  • feet

Your GP will also check you are up to date with your blood and urine tests and eye check and will discuss with you your plan to stay well.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Your ProCare GP or practice team is a great place to go for more information and support, as is Diabetes Auckland. You can phone them on 09 623 2508 or visit their website at www.diabetes.org.nz.

HILDA'S STORY
When Hilda was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 55, she was shocked - but decided on the spot she was not going to let the condition get the better of her.

Now 62, she's made some very important lifestyle changes and these help her keep her diabetes under control.

Hilda has worked hard to lose weight - a difficult task "especially at Christmas Time!" But she has found success in taking regular brisk walks, including a pamphlet run three times a week, and cutting back on her meal sizes as well as eating less fatty cuts of meat. She's found she cam even make a traditional Maori boil-up healthier - by pouring off the water, which contains most of the fat, before eating it.

Hilda keeps in regular contact with her GP for three-monthly check-ups, and another crucial factor in her good health is the support of her husband and six adult children. "They know all about what I;ve got and they are all very helpful toward me."

One lifestyle change Hilda is still working on is giving up smoking - but she's trying hard to cut down which will help her control her diabetes even better. "I'm determinied not to let it get any worse."

KEEPING HEALTHY WITH DIABETES

  • Eat a health diet and maintain a health weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Have regular health checks (four times a year)
  • Be a non-smoker and keep alcohol intake moderate
  • Check your feet regularly for signs of injury
  • Always take your medication
  • Don't forget your free annual check

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