Type 2 Diabetes: Are you at risk?

Diabetes is the fasting growing chronic condition in Australia. It is recognised by ones inability to maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood[1]. The prevalence of diabetes in Australia has tripled in the last 30 years[2].One in six people over the age of 65 years have Type 2 diabetes, however for every 4 adults diagnosed, one goes undiagnosed [3] ​.
This week marks National Diabetes Awareness Week.

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​Diabetes is responsible for cardiovascular disease (such as heart and blood vessel disease, stroke and heart attack), chronic kidney disease and loss of vision. As a podiatrist, I see the destruction diabetes can do to the foot and lower limb on a daily basis. If left unchecked, nerve damage also known as diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease may result in trauma leading to diabetic ulcers and possible amputation. The Word Health Organisation recommends diabetics visit a podiatrist twice a year for diabetic foot check and assessment [4].

Are you at risk of developing  Type 2 diabetes? Take this Diabetes Risk Assessment tool to learn more:

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References:
[1] https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/what-is-diabetes
[2] http://www.aihw.gov.au/diabetes/
[3] http://www.aihw.gov.au/diabetes/
[4] http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs312/en/