The annual celebration of National Diabetes Week in Australia is about promoting awareness and recognising warning signs of this chronic disease.
National Diabetes Week 2022
Australia is observing the national diabetes week during the second week of July; this year, it will take place from July 11 to 17.
The week-long event aims to promote awareness about the disease and encourage people to be open and talk about their condition. This year’s focus will be on the emotional health and well-being of people living with Diabetes and the challenging stigma that goes with it.
The National Diabetes Week will include a wide range of activities all over the country. For greater impact and effect, these activities will be mostly held in public places (workplaces, schools, and social gatherings) across Australia to ensure the promotion of Diabetes awareness among the public.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body process food into energy. It occurs when the blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the bloodstream become too high.
Blood glucose is the main source of energy that comes from food intake. Insulin, the hormone made by the pancreas, will help the glucose to reach the cells to be used for energy. When a person has diabetes, the body is no longer making insulin or cannot make good use of the insulin it produces. This results in the glucose staying in the bloodstream and not reaching the vital cells.
Over time, this can cause serious health problems such as damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes has no cure, although there are steps to take that can help manage your condition and its symptoms.
Diabetes Australia estimates that around 1.8 million people have the condition. And with these numbers came the stigma, which according to the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD), affects four out five people living with Diabetes, experiencing its negative impact at some point.
The most common type of diabetes is type 1 & 2 and gestational diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes is when the body does not make enough insulin due to the immune system attacking and destroying the pancreas cells that release this hormone.
- Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not make or use insulin properly. This type can be developed at any age, more commonly in middle and older adults, but it can also happen during childhood. Type 2 is the most common form of Diabetes.
- Gestational Diabetes is when the woman’s body does not produce enough insulin during pregnancy. According to research, some of the hormones during pregnancy may block the action of insulin.
Diabetes Management And First Aid
After getting diagnosed with the condition, it is best to seek help from a healthcare professional to help manage your blood glucose levels. Prompt intervention and creating a diabetes action plan will reduce the risk of possible complications.
The action plan aims to keep blood glucose and blood pressure levels within the normal range. It also helps work on getting healthier cholesterol levels rather than unhealthy ones.
The general tips for healthy eating in diabetes management include limiting high-sugar food and drinking, selecting small portions of meals, reducing alcohol consumption, and using less salt.
First aid application is the same for both types of diabetic emergencies – hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
Most people will gradually improve on their own, but if in doubt, it is best to call triple zero for medical assistance. Watch for any signs and airway obstruction and prepare to administer CPR.
Conclusion
Understanding diabetes is the key to the effective management of this chronic disease. Considering the magnitude of risks it poses to the Australian population, raising awareness about the condition is important, especially during the National Diabetes Week 2022.
First Aid Courses Darwin offers a wide range of courses to help people dealing with diabetes emergencies, including how to make informed decisions about their conditions.
Learn first aid for someone who is having a diabetic emergency. Book a first aid course with us.
