Diabetes is a chronic condition where the levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood are high due to problems with insulin and how it works in the body. Insulin is the hormone that enables our body cells to use glucose. Diabetes requires daily self-care and if complications develop, it can have a significant impact on quality of life and life expectancy.
There are different types of diabetes; all are complex and serious. There are three main types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Early risk assessment of type 2 diabetes and effectively managing all types of diabetes is important. You can book a Diabetes Health Consultation, where one of our Amcal pharmacists can assess your risk of type 2 diabetes and discuss the best ways to manage your risk factors, as well as explain strategies to manage all types of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes risk assessment or diabetes management assessment, including HbA1c check if appropriate
Diet and lifestyle advice
Referral to other healthcare providers
Follow-up consultation: Medication review
Book in for a Diabetes Health Consultation for early detection and management of your diabetes risk, or to help you best manage any type of diabetes.
In type 1 diabetes, body cells cannot use glucose because the insulin-making cells in the pancreas have been destroyed by the body’s own immune system.
In type 2 diabetes, body cells cannot use glucose properly because they are resistant to insulin and/or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the body’s needs.
In gestational diabetes (diabetes that appears during pregnancy), hormones from the placenta block insulin, preventing the body from regulating the increased blood sugar of pregnancy effectively.
All situations lead to an abnormally high blood glucose level.
Identifying diabetes
Some symptoms of diabetes occur suddenly and are easier to notice, while others may manifest gradually and go unnoticed for a long time. Most early symptoms of diabetes are caused by higher-than-normal glucose levels in the blood. In some cases of type 2 diabetes, the warning signs are so mild that they go unnoticed until long-term damage has been caused by the disease. Type 1 diabetes symptoms usually come on fast, and are much more severe. Both diabetes types share some of the same warning signs. Read More
Your Partner in Diabetes Management
Dealing with diabetes requires comprehensive care and understanding. At Amcal, we are dedicated to providing support and resources for those managing diabetes, including gestational diabetes and diabetes ketoacidosis. Our wide range of services and products are tailored to meet the diverse needs of the diabetes community in Australia.
Diabetes Medicine and Medication: We offer a variety of diabetes medications to help manage blood sugar levels effectively. Our pharmacists can guide you in choosing the right medication and understanding its proper usage.
Diabetes Gestational Support: Specialised care and advice are available for managing gestational diabetes, ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby.
Diabetes KetoacidosisResources: For those dealing with diabetes ketoacidosis, we provide essential information and products to manage this condition.
Diabetes Diagnosis and Blood Test: Our services include diabetes diagnosis and blood tests to monitor and manage your condition effectively.
Diabetes Diet Plan: Nutrition plays a crucial role in diabetes management. We offer guidance on diabetes diet plans that cater to individual needs and health goals.
Your Trusted Ally in Diabetes Management with Amcal
Managing diabetes requires dedicated care and the right support. At Amcal, we stand with you in this journey, offering comprehensive solutions and expert guidance for all aspects of diabetes management. Whether you’re facing the challenges of diabetes gestational, dealing with diabetes ketoacidosis, or navigating diabetes Australia standards, our focus is on providing you with the care and support you need.
From accurate diabetes diagnosis and blood tests to personalised diabetes medicine and medication options, we are equipped to help you manage your condition effectively. Our pharmacists are committed to helping you understand your diabetes medication and guide you in crafting a diabetes diet plan that suits your lifestyle and health goals.
Choose Amcal as your partner in diabetes care. With our tailored support, advanced resources, and compassionate service, managing diabetes becomes a journey you can approach with confidence and optimism. Let us help you lead a healthier life with our comprehensive diabetes care and management solutions. Read Less
Hypoglycemia is a serious condition where blood sugar (glucose) is lower than it should be. Symptoms include:
Shaking
Numbness or tingling around lips
Sweating
Blurred vision, slurred speech
Fast heart beat
Irritability, confusion
Weakness, dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Interesting facts about diabetes
280 Australians are diagnosed with diabetes daily – one person every 5 minutes.
A family member or friend often acts as a carer for someone with diabetes. In other words, close to 2.4 million Australians are affected by diabetes daily.
The annual cost to Australia due to the impact of diabetes is estimated at $14.6 billion.
Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Australia.
People with diabetes have a much higher chance of developing heart disease, kidney disease and other chronic, life‑threatening conditions.
Treatment of diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Insulin is required for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. A range of insulin products are available. They have different durations of action (e.g. short, intermediate or long-acting) and different injection devices. The variety of products allows insulin therapy to be tailored to suit different people and different lifestyles. For optimal blood glucose control, insulin doses must be adjusted according to blood glucose levels, which is impacted by food intake, physical activity, and general health.
Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes there are several different types of tablets available, that work in different ways to improve glucose metabolism and lower blood glucose. Some people need to take more than one type of tablet and some people also need insulin injections.
Self management
Eat regular, healthy meals. Limit or avoid foods high in fat, sugar or salt.
Exercise at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes on all or most days of the week.
Keep to a healthy body weight.
Limit alcohol and eat carbohydrate foods when drinking alcohol.
Don’t smoke – it can increase the risk of diabetic complications.
Follow the use and care instructions for your home blood glucose monitor and measure your blood glucose levels as advised.
Have regular blood pressure, cholesterol, eye and kidney checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risk factors for diabetes?
Family history: Your risk increases if a parent or sibling has diabetes.
Weight: The more fatty tissue a person has, the more resistant their body cells become to insulin. The longer a person is carrying excess weight, the more likely it is for type 2 diabetes to develop. Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and the need for medications in people diagnosed with the condition.
High blood pressure: Having high blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels: If you have low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, your risk of type 2 diabetes is higher. People with high levels of triglycerides (“bad” cholesterol) also have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Hormonal disorders: Some conditions create a situation that results in too much or too little hormone production. There are many hormonal disorders that upset natural insulin amounts in the body and provoke diabetes.
What are the long-term complications of diabetes?
Long-term complications of diabetes develop gradually. The longer you have uncontrolled diabetes, the higher the risk of complications. Possible complications include:
Cardiovascular disease
Nerve damage
Kidney damage
Eye damage
Foot damage
Skin conditions
Hearing impairment
Depression
What are the early signs of diabetes?
Excessive thirst: When your blood sugar levels rise, your body tries to pull fluid from other tissues to dilute the sugar in your bloodstream. This process can cause your body to dehydrate, prompting you to drink more water.
Passing more urine: When blood sugar rises, you drink more water which can cause you to urinate more. Your body may also try to eliminate excess sugar through urination.
Hunger and tiredness: The body converts food into glucose, which your body cells use for energy. However, your cells need insulin to enable them to absorb glucose. If your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or your cells are resistant to insulin, the glucose can’t be absorbed and the result is diminished energy. Your body responds by increasing hunger.
Blurred vision: The change in fluid levels in the body can cause the lenses in your eyes to swell up and change shape, causing your vision to go out of focus.
Mood swings: Blood sugar has a major effect on emotions. Uncontrolled glucose levels can cause mood swings and affect the quality of life.
Skin infections: Bacteria and fungi thrive on high blood sugar levels, therefore infections may be more common and more difficult to treat.
What should I do if I’m experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia means low blood glucose, which may occur if doses of diabetes tablets or insulin are not balanced with food intake and physical activity. Treatment involves speedily getting blood sugar levels back to normal. Most people do this with high-sugar foods or drinks, or medications. In the long term, treatment involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes of hypoglycaemia.
A person with diabetes who has hypoglycaemia needs to have:
Quick-acting carbohydrate (glucose) e.g., ½ glass soft drink or fruit juice (not ‘diet’ drinks), 3 teaspoons sugar or honey, 6-7 jelly beans, then
Longer-acting carbohydrate within 20 minutes (e.g., a meal, fruit, yoghurt, milk or muesli bar)
Can diabetes be prevented?
While type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented, there is clear evidence that healthy habits can delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes.
Healthy habits that can help prevent type 2 diabetes include:
Healthy eating
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
Regular physical activity
Quitting smoking
Following alcohol intake guidelines (fewer than 4 standard drinks a day)
How do I know if I have diabetes?
Your Amcal pharmacist is a trained expert in diabetes healthcare. They can help assess your risk of diabetes, by completing a risk assessment questionnaire with you and performing glucose level checks if relevant. These can include:
Random blood glucose test: Offers a snapshot view of your current blood glucose level
HbA1c test: Offers a long-term view and gives an indication of how much sugar there has been in the blood over the past few months (3‑4 months).
When should I see my doctor?
Diabetes is serious but type 2 diabetes can be delayed or possibly prevented, and all types of diabetes can be managed well with a combination of medicines and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can also help to reduce the risk of more serious complications. Speak to your doctor if you have been identified as at risk of having diabetes or experiencing symptoms of diabetes.
Just ask Amcal
Diabetes is one of the biggest challenges confronting Australians. Understanding diabetes and its seriousness is important. Help is available at Amcal.
If you think you are at risk of diabetes, or if you would like advice on managing your diabetes, speak to your Amcal pharmacist. They can provide health information, assess your diabetes risk and assist you in making lifestyle changes and adopting a healthy diet required for a happy future.
Your Amcal pharmacist is a trained expert in diabetes healthcare, so whatever stage you’re at, we’re always here to help.
For more information about diabetes or diabetic medicines, speak to your Amcal pharmacist.
