DIABETES MANAGEMENT TYPE TWO

DIABETES

Family initiative

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term disorder with a raised level of sugar in the blood. When you have diabetes your body cannot use sugar properly because the insulin produced by your body does not work or because your body does not produce enough insulin.

Are you at risk of developing type two Diabetes?

If you have two or more of these risk factors regular checks with your doctor is recommended

High blood pressure and/or raised cholesterol levels

A family history of type two diabetes Overweight Previous heart attack or stroke Increased risk from 40 years onwards Of Maori, Pacific Island, Indian or Asian descent

What are the symptoms of type two diabetes?

Tiredness Excessive thirst Frequent urination Blurred vision Itchiness Leg cramps Loss of weight Recurring infections eg: Thrush, bladder

or skin infections

How many people in New Zealand are affected by type

two diabetes?Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In New Zealand, about 110,000 people have type 2 diabetes, and this number is rising rapidly in line with the increasing rates of obesity in all age groups.

Problems associated with type two diabetes

Result to the damage to blood vessels and nerves caused by high blood glucose (Hyperglycaemia)

Can include numbness and circulation problems in the feet causing serious ulcers and the possible need for amputations

Loss of vision through damage to the retina;

Impotence in men Kidney damage and possible

kidney failure requiring dialysis; and heart disease and stroke.

Family management methods

Promote healthy eatingPromote regular physical activity

Having regular check ups

Healthy eating plan

Stop eating excessive amounts of fats, oils, sugars, salt and limit alcohol intake

Eat some but not to much of starchy vegetables, breads, cereals, rice, pasta, dairy products and protein

Eat lots of non starchy vegetables and fruit, drinks (Diet soft drinks, water, trim milk)

Regular physical activity plan

Encourage any kind of physical activity that elevates heart rate e.g. walking, swimming, running, sporting activities for 20-30 minutes per day at least 3 times per week.

Families should aim to dedicate time to get active within the community promoting exercising as positive time spent for family interaction.

Taking children to the park or bike riding around the neighbourhood can be a cost free activity.

Regular check ups

Consistent check ups with health professionals Self checking methods includeo If blood sugar levels remain at a high level this

can cause long term problems therefore you need to test your blood sugar levels regularly throughout the day

o Before each meal and before bed oro Before breakfast and two hours after a meal oro As told by your doctor or diabetes educator

Management summary

Following the simple plans discussed above, management of diabetes can become a controllable task, making family life easier to manage, with the presence of a diabetic family member.

References

http://www.moh.govt.nz/diabetes http://www.diabetes.org.nz/ http://www.nzhis.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesns/71 http://www.diabetes.org.nz/_media/

documents/pdfs/Staying_well_with_Type_2_diabetes_191107.pdf

http://www.letsbeatdiabetes.org.nz/page/diabetes_

www.diabetes.org.nz www.novonordisk.co.nz