My mum recollects leading up to this time, in the months beforehand, there were other signs such as my brother having a sweet, fruity odour on his breath<\/strong> <\/em>and any bruising\/cuts from his active play, would take an unusual amount of time to heal<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n Some very early signs of something amiss! Knowing these 8 Diabetes Facts would have reduced some of my worry and stress.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He never really put much weight on, always a lean child. It was difficult, as diabetes wasn\u2019t known to be in the immediate family and as a family, we knew very little about it at that time.<\/p>\n We were devastated when the doctor shared that our young brother had Type 1 diabetes. Overnight we had a confronting education about its complexities, including risks of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, anxiety, depression and limb amputations. It was scary and overwhelming. These same health consequences also apply to Type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n He was so young, we couldn\u2019t fathom him living with this incurable, lifelong condition with such serious potential complications. The nurses helped us to self-administer syringes and prick testing to ourselves (we were in our teen years) so we could understand what our brother would be going through daily for the rest of his life. I clearly remember putting the syringe into my thigh and wondering how it would be possible for him to do this forever. Some type 1 diabetics administer up to 6 insulin injections a day!<\/p>\n Typically insulin injections are made to the stomach or thighs<\/em><\/p>\n What we did learn very quickly, was that if managed well, he could still live a full and enjoyable life. That gave us hope. Over the years, diabetes management has changed significantly to provide a greater quality of life.<\/p>\n I write this blog today in the hope to share 8 things every Australian should know about Diabetes!<\/p>\n With one person every 5 minutes in Australia developing diabetes, it shows that this can happen to anyone, at any time, at any age.<\/p>\n There are different types of diabetes:<\/p>\n With 280 Australians<\/strong><\/em> developing diabetes every single day<\/strong>, we will all know someone who is impacted by this serious and complex condition. That equates to about 1.8 million Aussies living with Diabetes *<\/p>\n There is likely to be many, many more who simply don\u2019t know they have it yet, going about life, unaware of the risks.<\/p>\n There are many people who are simply not yet aware that they have diabetes<\/em><\/p>\n It makes sense that we should learn more about it.<\/p>\n Whist the complications and potential consequence of ineffective management are very real, there are several things that can be done to manage diabetes to lead a full and healthy life.<\/p>\n With the right medication, tools, education and lifestyle – diabetes can be managed<\/em><\/p>\n Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85%* of all diabetes (as opposed to Type 1). This figure is increasing at an alarming rate.<\/p>\n Why is that?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Type 2 Diabetes is largely influenced by other external factors, it comes down a lot to our lifestyle. It may be potentially prevented or delayed (in up to 58% of cases*) by adopting some changes to your daily habits:<\/p>\n These are simple changes such as:-<\/p>\n Small changes, BIG benefits<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n (Please note:- currently Type 1 diabetes is not able to be prevented. It is connected to the autoimmune process. The triggers for Type 1 diabetes are still unknown. Research continues to better understand the influence of environmental impact and autoimmune conditions in Type 1 diabetes)<\/p>\n Genetics, family history and ethnicity are thought to have an influence in the development of Type 1 diabetes.<\/p>\n How many times have you heard that one?!<\/strong><\/p>\n Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. With diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.<\/p>\n Diabetes is not<\/em><\/strong> caused from eating too much sugar.<\/p>\n In the case of Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle choices play a role in diabetes being triggered, so is important to maintain both a healthy weight and make healthy food choices, so adding too much sugar to the diet isn\u2019t likely to be a good idea.<\/p>\n Sadly, it is becoming more and more common. According to the Australian Bureau of statistics (for the 2020-2021 period):<\/p>\n Let\u2019s set the record straight here. It is not any milder. You are not able to get a \u2018touch\u2019 of diabetes. They both have the same seriousness and potential consequences in terms of concerning health implications.<\/p>\n If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it is a wake-up call for YOU.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n In many cases, a person could influence changes to their own health by:<\/p>\n Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes have the same serious health consequences<\/em><\/p>\n It is not a guarantee, however the potential here is if you take a pro-active stance with your health, it may allow you to cease Type 2 diabetes medication (this would be under strict medical guidance and observation). I stress \u2018may\u2019 as no guarantee that this will occur with certainty, however in many cases positive results have occurred.<\/p>\n Ask yourself:<\/p>\n How often are you seeing your doctor?<\/p>\n Do you seek out routine checks\/annual examinations?<\/p>\n Being proactive with your health will help you spot any warning signs well before other health problems set in.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t let a heart attack or stroke be the first sign that you had uncontrolled diabetes.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n There is not a special diet as such, however, it does take an exceptional understanding of what<\/strong> and how<\/strong> much you are consuming. A balanced diet is very important.<\/p>\n Eating well plays a vital role in keeping healthy<\/p>\n As my brother was very young when diagnosed, it took years of planning meals and counting out protein and carbohydrate portions, until he was well into his late teens, where he could understand the impacts of food choices on his body.<\/p>\n Good management of diabetes is a combination of being mindful of what you are eating, regularly taking medication and effective management\/monitoring of your blood sugar levels.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Good management of your blood sugar levels helps to keep your diabetes well controlled<\/em><\/p>\n With so many Australians impacted by diabetes, it is likely that you shall have a friend, family member, relative or work colleague that is affected.<\/p>\n Would you know the signs if a person had a hypo at work? (or hyper?). It is more likely that you will be witness to someone having a hypo (where blood sugar levels drop too low).<\/p>\n An easy way to remember the difference – HYPO<\/strong>glycaemia (Hypo think Low) and HYPER<\/strong>glycaemia (Hyper is high, think hyperactive child)<\/p>\n Although my brother has lived with diabetes for nearly 37+ years, I can honestly say that I haven\u2019t experienced too many occasions whereby he had a hypo\/hyper when I was present. Signs that his diabetes had usually always been very well managed!<\/p>\n He has experienced more health problems as he has aged, and this has made it a little more complicated. Things such as the weather, for example, hot and humid days can also have an unexpectant impact on his health and blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n It is important that you know the signs (this is for a hypo):<\/p>\n These include:<\/p>\n For my brother, I would notice his face would \u2018glaze<\/strong>\u2019 over and he would slowly become less<\/strong> responsive<\/strong>, then his speech would deteriorate, starting to slur<\/strong> his words when talking to him.<\/p>\n We knew these signs were an indicator that we had to act quickly.<\/p>\n If the person is conscious and still able to swallow, give them some sugar<\/strong> (think a sweet drink like fruit juice, soft drink (not<\/strong> diet drinks), or even a couple of teaspoons of sugar dissolved in a small amount of water). Take care to not give the drink in a glass. A person having a hypo can easily smash the glass in their hands from their strong grip. Preferably put into a strong plastic mug if possible. My brother always preferred sugar in a small amount of milk as opposed to water. He says it is more palatable.<\/p>\n If having a hypo, give some quick acting sugar – e.g. juice or a sweet drink (avoid using a glass)<\/em><\/p>\n If able to have something solid, give chocolates or lollies like barley sugar, or jellybeans to suck on. This will usually be enough to \u2018bring them around<\/strong>\u2019 and you will see their condition improve quite quickly.<\/p>\n Then wait 10 minutes and test their blood sugar. Give them more sugary food or drink if still in the low range.<\/p>\n If able to eat something solid, give lollies (e.g. jelly beans)<\/em><\/p>\n Once they are more alert<\/strong> and If their sugar level is in the normal range give them something more substantial<\/strong> such as a sandwich, several sweet biscuits, cheese, or a complex carbohydrate (e.g. a banana) to balance.<\/p>\n If they have slurred speech or their condition is deteriorating I personally wouldn\u2019t give them jelly beans or lollies, the risk of choking is high<\/strong><\/em> and I doubt you want to manage a second first aid emergency in this situation.<\/p>\n If they don\u2019t respond or don\u2019t appear to be improving, always call 000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n It is possible from experiencing a hypo, that the person falls unconscious. It is life-threatening<\/strong>, so remember to call 000<\/strong> immediately for an ambulance, letting them know the person is diabetic.<\/p>\n Put the person on their side.<\/p>\n Make sure to NOT<\/strong> give them anything to eat or drink at this time.<\/p>\n I know for my brother as he came out of a hypo it was tiring for him, somewhat confusing as he did not have always have a full recollection of what had happened. Dependent on where he was when it happened, I know he had also at times felt embarrassed. He would often say he his head hurt or had headaches as the after effect.<\/p>\n Please always be kind<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Going through a Hypo is taxing – always be kind<\/em><\/p>\n It is important for you to continue to reassure them until they are fully recovered and monitor afterwards that they are okay. They may need to seek medical attention afterwards.<\/p>\n First Aid Tip:<\/strong><\/p>\n If you have staff or clients who are diabetic, I would suggest having Jelly Beans or Glucose Gel in the first aid kit.<\/p>\n You also never know when you may need to help someone in this situation. They shall be thankful that you took the time to learn about Diabetes. Please share this blog, so that all can learn about the 8 facts about Diabetes.<\/p>\n Keep this handy First Aid fact sheet to guide you on Diabetes First Aid treatment.<\/strong><\/p>\n Please share this blog about Diabetes Facts to help others learn about this important topic. Enroll in a diabetes first aid training course and learn more to support someone you know managing Diabetes.<\/p>\n DOWNLOAD DIABETES EMERGENCY FIRST AID FACT SHEET\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Graph](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5f52ca_3e45926b82df4441819dce2bd8ee202fmv2-300x271.webp\")
![\"syringe-in-arm](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5f52ca_43630d61fee642c392e38e1015d0d471mv2-300x200.webp\")
<\/p>\n1. Diabetes can affect anyone, of any age<\/h3>\n
\n
![\"insulin-and-syringes](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5f52ca_2a3124f8ca4d45c18f4ef80d4fbf7dc5mv2-300x200.webp\")
<\/p>\n2. Diabetes can be managed<\/h3>\n
![\"diabetes-medication](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5f52ca_06e5a233ec7942b0aa0a708eb3481497mv2-300x200.webp\")
<\/p>\n3. Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise<\/h3>\n
\n
4. Diabetes is caused from eating too much sugar? \u2013 that\u2019s a myth!<\/h3>\n
![\"Raspberry](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5f52ca_9251e217ebc540c18c84c2cf72c90f0bmv2-300x191.webp\")
<\/p>\n5. Diabetes is a common disease<\/h3>\n
\n
6. Type 2 Diabetes is milder than Type 1 diabetes? \u2013 another myth!<\/h3>\n
\n
![\"sign-diabetes](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5f52ca_4362d44f80d74aa6a4eb74eae9abe327mv2-300x174.webp\")
<\/p>\n7. Diabetes is a significant risk for heart disease and stroke (as diabetes can raise your blood pressure)<\/h3>\n
8. Healthy eating (and an active lifestyle) is key to managing diabetes<\/h3>\n
![\"good-food-choices](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5f52ca_bdd1e132182841269f4f1be3fff4d24cmv2-300x223.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"blood-prick-test-diabetes](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5f52ca_fd609c67c2904ba5a570d420cbd510d5mv2-300x200.webp\")
<\/p>\n\n
Diabetes First Aid Response<\/h3>\n
![\"orange-juice](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5f52ca_22cd2465fff742e8913e797abaa0d427mv2-300x200.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"jelly-beans](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5f52ca_8749fbad3ec8417284548b2408c54463mv2-300x266.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"be-kind-text](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5f52ca_3f95aa8c33344171aa4327075140c729mv2-300x200.webp\")
<\/p>\nNow you know the 8 facts about Diabetes – what will you change for yourself?<\/h3>\n