Type 2 diabetes and obesity still on the rise - a weighty concern
"It's a real worry that Australians are becoming desensitised to the obesity problem. Our environment is adapting to our weight rather than us addressing the issue. Dress sizes are now being made bigger and airlines have recently reported a significant increase in fuel costs to lift the extra kilos 1. 80 - 90% of people that develop type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese emphasising the need to maintain a healthy weight or take positive steps to reduce weight if necessary. People with obesity are at far greater risk of developing diabetes. People with diabetes are well known to be at high risk of developing major health problems so preventing or delaying the onset of the disease is so important." Dr Christine Bennett, MBF's Chief Medical Officer.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder involving problems with the ways the body responds to the insulin hormone and to sugar in the blood. It is associated with obesity, lack of exercise and poor eating habits. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still produces insulin but either insufficient insulin is produced or the body cannot use the insulin effectively. It usually develops very slowly over years and there may be no obvious symptoms. Symptoms may include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, skin infections, slow healing and tingling and numbness in the feet.
General statistics
- More than 2 million Australians have diabetes or pre-diabetes 2
- For every one person diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, another one is undiagnosed. 1
- Type 2 diabetes represents 85 - 90 % of all cases of diabetes in Australia. 2
- Diabetes is the sixth highest cause of death by disease in Australia. 2
- Over 7 million Australian adults were overweight or obese in 2004-2005 2
How do I know if I am at risk of type 2 diabetes?
If you answer yes to one or more of the following then you may be at risk of type 2 diabetes :
- I have high blood pressure
- I am overweight
- I have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- I am over 55
- I have heart disease or have had a heart attack
- I have/ had gestational diabetes (elevated blood glucose levels during pregnancy)
- I have/ had impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, pre-diabetes
- I have Polycystic Ovary syndrome and am overweight
- I am over 35 and have Aboriginal, Torres Straight Islander, Pacific Islander, Indian sub-continent or Chinese heritage
If you are at risk, talk to your GP to have your blood glucose level tested as well as discuss ways to reduce your risk.
What can I do to minimise the risk of type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to being overweight or obese (80 - 90% of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese). International studies have found that modest weight loss of 5 - 7% and regular physical activity at a moderate intensity of 30 minutes on most days lowered the risk of developing diabetes by nearly 60 per cent. 2 More activity may be required where weight control is an issue.
What is the significance of the recent research findings that blood pressure drugs can cut diabetes deaths?
A worldwide clinical trial run by the George Institute for International Health (Sydney) showed that a combination of blood pressure lowering drugs can cut deaths from complications of diabetes by almost one fifth regardless of whether the patients blood pressure was elevated or not to begin with.
Complications arise because diabetes affects the smaller blood vessels in the body and damage to these blood vessels can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, skin ulcers, limb amputation and even erectile dysfunction in men. Since h igh blood pressure puts unnecessary stress on these blood vessels, the current view is that good management of blood pressure protects the blood vessels. 4
Because this research is so new, many diabetics may not yet have had the opportunity to discuss the findings with their doctor.
Where can I go for more information?
For more information, talk to your GP.
Diabetes Australia-NSW: 1300 136 588 or www.diabetesnsw.com.au
Sources:
1 American Journal of Preventative Medicine
2 Diabetes Australia-NSW (www.diabetesnsw.com.au)
3 Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Social Trends 2007
4 The George Institute for International Health (Sydney)