What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease characterised by a high level of glucose in the blood and urine. How does this happen? When we eat, our body metabolizes carbohydrates to glucose, and our pancreas releases insulin to help glucose enter our cells to be used for energy. However, when you have diabetes, your body is not able to do these things.
Types of diabetes
In Type 1 Diabetes or Insulin-Dependent Diabetes, the body is not able to produce insulin because the immune system sees these insulin-producing cells as foreign and attacks them. Hence, when this happens, the glucose in the system are left astray because there is no insulin to help them get in our cells. This is more common in children but can develop at any age. People with type 1 diabetes rely on outside sources of insulin through injections.
The Type 2 Diabetes, which is the most common type of diabetes, is also called Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes. People with this type of diabetes do not have a problem with insulin production. Their pancreas releases insulin, but the cells do not recognise it. Hence, glucose can’t enter the cells and, just like in type 1, deposits into other parts of the body. Type 2 diabetes is linked to people who are overweight and/or have a sedentary lifestyle. The medical intervention focuses mostly on diet and exercise, but insulin injections are also necessary in some cases.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) occurs during pregnancy and goes away after childbirth. Pregnant women are diagnosed with this type of diabetes when they experience for the first time a level of glucose higher than normal during their pregnancy. GDM is rapidly growing in Australia affecting 5% to 10% of pregnant women during their 24th to 28th week of pregnancy, especially those having the following risk factors:
- Have a family history of type 2 and gestational diabetes
- Have had GDM during past pregnancies
- Have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Have previously given birth to a large baby
- Are overweight
As part of their 24 to 28-week pregnancy routine examination, all women are screened for GDM. Once confirmed, they are advised to observe healthy eating habits, avoid the sedentary lifestyle by doing more physical activities, and monitoring and maintaining a normal blood sugar level.
Diabetes in Australia
Diabetes is one of the main challenges in the health system of Australia. It affects 1.7 million of the total population and is continuously increasing with 280 Australians developing diabetes every day.
This costs around $14.6 billion each year. Read more about diabetes in Australia.
This huge impact of diabetes in Australia has led to the implementation of the National Diabetes Service Scheme.
What is the National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS)?
The National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) is a project of the Government of Australia in partnership with Diabetes Australia. It was designed to educate people suffering from diabetes about their condition and it’s management.
How to register for NDSS?
You can register to NDSS if you meet all these criteria:
- You live in Australia.
- You have been diagnosed with diabetes by a doctor, an endocrinologist, or a credentialed diabetes educator.
- You hold or are eligible to hold a Medicare or Department Veterans’ Affairs Card.
What to do next?
After registration, search for an NDSS-accredited pharmacy to supply you with your diabetes-related needs.
If you are looking for a pharmacy that is open day and night, you might want to visit Greg Keily Chemist. We are an NDSS-accredited pharmacy open seven days a week from 7 AM to 9 PM and supply consumables such as Blood Glucose testing strips, syringes, and needles at a reduced price for people diagnosed with Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes.
Aside from the reduction in price, our pharmacists offer advice and education about diabetes and we provide all types of insulin. People who need to use devices such as the Blood Glucose Testing Machine for the first time need not worry because our staff can provide training on how to use them and read the results. Located in Southport, and open after hours, come in and speak to our helpful team about how we can help you.
