Diagnosing diabetes early saves lives

Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said today that while 520,000 Australians have been diagnosed with diabetes, there are probably as many again who remain undiagnosed, exposing them to serious complications caused by the disease, including kidney disease, heart attacks and eye problems.

Dr Haikerwal made the comments during the Federal AMA’s 13th Family Doctor Week (FDW). The theme this year is GPs are Lifesavers.

“There are two forms of diabetes,” Dr Haikerwal said.

“Type 1 is more common in children and younger people and accounts for 10-15 per cent of all cases of diabetes. It is not affected by lifestyle. These people need insulin injections.

“But it’s Type 2 Diabetes, the non-insulin dependent form that’s the real worry. It accounts for 85-90 per cent of all cases – and it’s on the rise.

“This is a lifestyle disease and is strongly associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and the classic ‘apple-shaped’ body where there is extra weight around the waist.

“While it usually affects mature adults, younger people, even children, are getting Type 2 Diabetes.

“Type 2 Diabetes includes an early stage when significant damage is being done to the body but the person has no symptoms.

“Diabetes is easy to diagnose with a simple blood test.

“The good news is that Type 2 Diabetes can be controlled or even prevented by keeping your weight down, doing some form of daily exercise, and eating a balanced diet. Diabetics can minimise the impact of the disease by controlling sugar intake, weight and other risk factors.

“I encourage everyone to have an annual check up with their GP, even if they feel well. GPs can check for diabetes in patients who are at risk through a simple blood test. They can also talk to patients about a range of lifestyle issues that affect their health,” Dr Haikerwal said.

Dr Haikerwal said groups most at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes include people who have previously had a slightly abnormal sugar test but which was not sufficient to diagnose Type 2 diabetes.

“These people should be tested at least annually,” Dr Haikerwal said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of Pacific Islander descent, people from the Indian subcontinent and people of Chinese origin, who are 35 and over, should also be tested annually.

“People aged 45 and over who are obese (BMI of 30 or over) and have high blood pressure, people who have had heart attack, angina or stroke, and women with polycystic ovary syndrome who are also obese, should also be tested annually,” Dr Haikerwal said.