World Diabetes Day is an international event to raise awareness about diabetes, celebrated every year on 14 November.

The theme of World Diabetes Day 2016 is Eyes on Diabetes. This year's focus is on promoting the importance of screening to ensure early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications.

Diabetes is a serious complex condition which can affect the entire body. Diabetes requires daily self care and if complications develop, diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life and can reduce life expectancy. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and effectively managing it.

There are different types of diabetes; all types are complex and serious. The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.

Who is at risk of developing diabetes? Risk factors include;

• Being overweight
• Being physically inactive
• Having bad cholesterol
• Having high blood pressure
• Having a family history diabetes and / or heart disease.

Diabetes develops very gradually, you may notice that;

• You’re hungrier than normal
• You’re losing weight, despite eating more
• You’re thirstier than normal
• You have to go to the bathroom more frequently
• You’re more tired than usual

It is recommended that you seek medical advice from your Doctor if you have any concerns or display any symptoms.

One in two adults currently living with diabetes is undiagnosed. The World Diabetes Day, are asking individuals who may be at risk of type 2 diabetes, people living with diabetes, diabetes associations and health professionals to take action to help identify people with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, those at risk of developing it in future , and ensure early diagnoses and treatment of diabetes complications such as blindness. Yesterday we had fun in the office pricking each other!

Our team of qualified, accredited Healthcare Professionals is headed by a Medical Practitioner and includes a Medical Review Officer and Occupational Health Nurse. At Occuhealth we can assist you with your health needs and information, call us on +61 89537 5700.

International Diabetes Federation http://www.idf.org/wdd-index/wdd2016.html