14th November – World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day takes place on November 14 in more than 160 countries, making it the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign. Diabetes is Australia’s fastest-growing chronic condition.

 The facts:

• There are 1.9 million diabetics in Australia – this includes 1.4 million people who have been diagnosed and an estimated 500,000 cases of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
• Every five minutes someone is diagnosed as a diabetic, which adds up to over 300 people every day.
• One in four adults over the age of 25 is either a diabetic or has pre-diabetes.
• The condition is the seventh most common cause of death by disease in Australia and costs the Australian economy $16 billion every year.
• 127,000 Australians are currently living with type 1 and 1.2 million Australians are currently living with type 2.

Type 1 diabetes signs and symptoms

Type 1 diabetes is mostly diagnosed in childhood, although it can develop at any age.

The signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes can develop suddenly over a few days or weeks. Furthermore, symptoms can be severe and, if left untreated, life-threatening. Therefore, being diagnosed and treated quickly is critical.

Signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes may include:

• Passing urine more frequently
• Excessive thirst and drinking a lot of fluids
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Mood changes
• Skin infections or itching
• Oral or vaginal thrush
• Abdominal pain
• Excessive hunger
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Blurred vision

Type 2 diabetes signs and symptoms

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition that tends to develop gradually. As a result, the signs and symptoms may develop very slowly. You may not even notice the signs or symptoms at all, or for instance, you may think of them as a normal part of getting older.

This can mean that by the time you notice something, you may have been living with the condition for some years, and you could be at risk of developing complications. Consequently, those complications may be the first sign that you have diabetes.

• Passing urine more frequently, commonly noticed at night
• Dry mouth
• Being more thirsty than usual
• Feeling tired, lethargic, or irritable
• Constantly feeling hungry despite having eaten
• Having cuts, sores, or ulcers that heal slowly
• Itching, skin infections
• Thrush or bladder infections
• Blurred vision
• Weight changes – commonly a gradual increase in weight
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Feeling dizzy
• Pain or tingling in the lower legs and/or feet

If you notice one or more of these signs or symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your doctor immediately.

For more information on the disease go to Diabetes Australia.

Chiro & Sports Med

Our chiropractors at Chiro & Sports Med are committed to providing chiropractic solutions to address your unique needs. Whether you are experiencing an irritated nerve, bulging disc, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, headaches, or even muscular tightness and tension. You may be searching for pain relief after an accident or experiencing an injury.  Our mission is to help reduce or eliminate pain and to prevent future problems and injury. Above all, we are here to improve your quality of life, well-being, and ability to live an active healthy lifestyle.