Diabetes Management – We are here to help! ♡

New Diabetes Australia data shows there are 22,480 cases of Type 2 Diabetes on the Gold Coast, but experts fear the numbers are actually double that.

“For every person we see diagnosed with diabetes there is another person undiagnosed,” says Laura Zimmerman, Credentialled Diabetes Educator at Medical on Miami.

“So on the Gold Coast there are another 25,000 people walking around with diabetes that don’t even know they have it yet,”

A CDE is a specialist in diabetes care who walks the journey with the person and takes the time to really help them understand and self-manage their diabetes so they can live their lives to the fullest and in the best possible health.
You may be eligible for a care plan from your GP, and a referral to a Credentialed Diabetes Educator like Laura Zimmerman to assist your team with your diabetes management.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please make an appointment with your GP who can help see if blood work may need to be done.

SYMPTOMS:

  • Increased thirst.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Extreme hunger.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow-healing sores
  • Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infections.

Laura shares the top four ways of reducing your risk of Type 2 diabetes:

  • Reduce excess weight: Weight reduction reduces the risk of diabetes and people in one large study reduced their risk of developing diabetes by almost 60% after losing approximately 7% of their body weight with changes in exercise and diet.
  • Be more physically active: The benefits of physical activity include losing weight, lowering blood sugar and boosting sensitivity to insulin. Even just a 10 min walk a day, start with easy goals.
  • Eat healthy plant based foods: Fibre-rich foods promote weight loss and lower the risk of diabetes so it’s important to eat a variety of fibre-rich foods such as fruits, non-starchy vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
  • Eat healthy fats: Fatty foods are high in calories and should only be eaten in moderation, to help lose and manage weight, including a variety of unsaturated or ‘good’ fats.
  • Skip fad diets: Diets like paleo or keto can help you lose weight, but there is little research into the long-term benefits of these diets or their benefit in preventing diabetes.
  • Know when to see your doctor: If you are overweight or have a family history of diabetes in the family it is important to check in regularly with your GP.

DIET & LIFESTYLE are essential factors in type 2 diabetes management.KEEPING ON TOP of your health and working with an expert team is KEY!

Remember, we’re always here for you. Please get in touch if you’d like a Credentialled Diabetes Educator or Dietitian to help you in the management of your diabetes.