Diabetes is the most common non-discriminatory chronic disease globally, affecting 422 million people worldwide, including over 1.8 million Australians. Diabetes occurs where the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use the insulin properly. The main problems with Diabetes are that it is the number one cause of blindness, kid failure, lower-limb amputations, and it increases the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Diabetes can also lead to distress and people being super overweight. People can manage Diabetes through diet, exercise, and medication, enabling them to lead long, healthy, and productive lives. There are also diabetic drugs and diabetic diets that will help people manage their diabetes symptoms and keep them under control.

There are different types of Diabetes: Type 1, also known as juvenile Diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational Diabetes. All these types are severe and complex.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to beta cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. While the body can still produce some insulin, it can’t produce enough to keep blood glucose levels at a normal level. Beta cells produce insulin to break down sugars and starches from energy foods. 

It is typically diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, and the patient’s disease is diagnosed and treated before the patient gets to adulthood. When people fail to manage their Diabetes properly, they can suffer from several life-threatening complications, such as kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, and heart disease.

Type 2 diabetes

There are serious health complications associated with Type 2 diabetes, such as kidney failure, blindness, stroke, and heart disease. It is caused by a person’s inability to produce enough insulin or the cells’ inability to use insulin properly.

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes 

Although it is hard to prevent Diabetes, there are ways to reduce your chances, such as changing your lifestyle. They should eat a well-balanced diet and get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. The best way for a person to prevent type 2 diabetes from occurring in the future is by going on a low-carb diet and exercising daily for at least 30 minutes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by preventing weight gain, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and exercising regularly. But, if you develop Diabetes, there are treatments to help regulate your blood sugar, and some people even regain some insulin-producing cells in their pancreas. However, these cells can still become damaged, which could lead to future Diabetes.

 Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes occurs when a woman’s body doesn’t produce enough insulin to regulate her blood glucose (sugar) levels. Gestational Diabetes occurs because insulin secretion differs during pregnancy, and a woman’s body may not handle the quantity of insulin needed to maintain a healthy blood glucose level. Without treatment, this can result in serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, and even the possibility of stillbirth or miscarriage. Symptoms of gestational Diabetes include an increased need for bathroom breaks, swollen feet, increased thirst, increased weight gain during pregnancy, increased hunger, fatigue, irritability, and lowered attention span.

What are the Side Effects of Living with Diabetes?

The side effects of Diabetes are frequently reported as one of the significant health challenges today. There are many ways to detect these side effects, from mild fatigue to severe ones, such as blindness or kidney failure. People with Diabetes should know how to spot these symptoms and seek medical help if they develop them.

Keeping an eye on their sugar levels is crucial for people with Diabetes and taking precautions to avoid the effects of high sugar. The best way to monitor it is by wearing a continuous glucose monitor and using a smart device app to warn them when their blood sugar level approaches the danger zone. The app can also warn the user if they have been inactive for too long, affecting insulin sensitivity.

People can prevent the side effects of Diabetes through a healthy lifestyle. However, it is crucial to monitor your blood sugar levels and regulate your diet to reduce the disease’s risk.

5 Tips to Manage Your Diabetes as a Caregiver

1. Make sure that you have more of an active lifestyle. Spend time outside, take walks, go on bike rides or walk the dog.

2. Keep a food diary and keep track of what you eat and drink each day.

3. Avoid skipping meals, even if you are not hungry or can’t afford the time to eat breakfast before going to work or school.

4. Give yourself a little time every day for relaxation – this will help your blood sugars to stabilize.

5) Seek professional help for emotional support.

Conclusion: Why You Should Take Care of Yourself and Your Diabetes Today

Everyone has their own responsibilities, but you should take care of your health too. If you have Diabetes, then you need to do that. You can’t be a happy person if you’re constantly feeling low or not able to enjoy life because of your illness.

Maintain a healthier lifestyle and manage your Diabetes today! Otherwise, you may end up in the hospital. Stay hydrated, exercise frequently, and monitor your blood sugar level. 

One possible remedy for Diabetes is to make sugar-free candy available for diabetic patients to indulge in. This will help you feel less guilty or anxious about your sugar intake. Eating sugar-free food is another option for people who want to avoid sugar. Sugar-free foods are made with artificial sweeteners that contain no calories or carbs so that they won’t affect their blood sugar levels.

Does NDIS fund Diabetes Participants?

Since Diabetes is a chronic disease, NDIS will not fund it on its own. However, Diabetes often comes with a disability. Hence, in such scenarios, the NDIS will fund the disability that complicates the participant’s ability to manage Diabetes independently. For example, limb amputation and blindness are both disabilities that are significant and eligible for support from NDIS.

Grace Healthcare YCYW can support those approved of funding with services such as Supported Independent Living, tailor-made to individual support needs.  

If you would like more information on how Grace Healthcare YCYW can support you in living more independently and managing your condition, please call us on 041 037 7690, 03 9087 8230. Alternatively, you can email us at info@grace-healthcare.com.au or complete our contact form to have our representative contact you.