National diabetes week is 10th to 16th July 2016, and the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes. Diabetes is the epidemic of the 21st century and the biggest challenge confronting Australia’s health system. Around 1.7 million Australians have diabetes.

It is extraordinary to think that 280 Australians develop diabetes every day. That’s one person every five minutes. This makes Diabetes the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia, and nearly one in four adults over the age of 25 years have either diabetes or a condition known as pre-diabetes (impaired glucose metabolism). 

What is Pre-Diabetes?

Pre-diabetes can be thought of as a warning sign. It’s when your blood glucose level (blood sugar level) is higher than normal, but it’s not high enough to be considered diabetes. Pre-diabetes is an indication that you could develop type 2 diabetes if you don’t make some lifestyle changes.

Who is at risk of developing pre-diabetes?

Risk factors for pre-diabetes are basically the same as those for type 2 diabetes which can include:

• Being overweight
• Being physically inactive
• Having high triglycerides (bad cholesterol)
• Having high blood pressure
• Having a family history of type 2 diabetes and/or heart disease.

Symptoms of pre-diabetes

Diabetes develops very gradually, so when you’re in the pre-diabetes stage—when your blood glucose level is higher than it should be—you may not have any symptoms at all. You may, however, 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.

For more information, visit http://diabeteswa.com.au/prevention/

Reference: https://www.ndss.com.au/pre-diabetes-information-sheet