What is it?

Diabetes can develop slowly, and many of us may not recognise the symptoms.
If detected early enough, Type 2 Diabetes can be controlled and the risk factors reduced. Diabetes is a condition in which the amount of glucose in the blood is too high and the body is unable to use it properly.

There are two main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 - This usually affects people under 40 and occurs if the body is unable to produce any insulin. The symptoms develop suddenly. This type of diabetes is treated with insulin injections, diet and physical activity.
• Type 2 - This usually affects people over the age of 40 but can develop at any age. This is the most common type of diabetes. The symptoms are usually less obvious and develop relatively slowly. Type 2 Diabetes can often be treated very successfully with a healthy balanced diet and physical activity, and if needed, with the addition of tablets or insulin injections.

Our Pharmacist One-on-One Diabetes Awareness Clinic can help identify YOUR risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and provide you with the advice you need to reduce your chances.

What will you learn?

There are certain lifestyle changes which are effective in preventing or delaying the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

By identifying YOUR risk during our Pharmacist One-on-One Diabetes Awareness Clinic, you can make lifestyle changes to minimise the chance of developing this preventable condition.

You will learn:

• What diabetes is
• What your risk factors are
• What you can do to minimise your chance of Type 2 Diabetes
• Healthy eating tips
• The recommended amount of physical activity
• What your healthy body weight should be

What tests will be done?

The Australian Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK)

AUSDRISK is a questionnaire which discusses a number of well established risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes, Such as: age, gender, ethnicity, family history of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and obesity.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure indicates the amount of pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps blood around the body. High blood pressure over a period of time, also known as hypertension, can contribute to many illnesses such as Type 2 Diabetes.

Blood Glucose

Blood Glucose indicates the amount of sugar, called glucose, in the blood when the test is conducted. A Blood Glucose Test test will assist in determining if a person’s blood sugar level is high, low or within range.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A person’s BMI provides information about their body’s volume and mass. It estimates a person’s total amount of body fat using weight and height measurements. Increased amount of body fat can increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Waist Circumference (WC)

A person’s Waist Circumference provides information about a person’s body shape. Waist circumference measures the fat mass around the abdomen. Body fat distribution is an important risk factor for certain diseases. Excess abdominal fat is associated with an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Why you should attend

Some people are more at risk than others. If you're over 40, have a history of diabetes within your family, are overweight or don’t do much exercise, you may be at an increased risk.

Also, if you have one or more of the following symptoms it’s also a good idea to attend our Pharmacist One-on-One Diabetes Awareness Clinic.

• You are always thirsty
• You pass water frequently
• You are always tired
• Your vision is sometimes blurred
• You get cramps at night
• You often get infections
• Your wounds heal slowly
• You often get thrush or genital itching
• Your hands and feet often feel numb

The complications associated with diabetes can be serious. Unfortunately, by the time that many people are diagnosed with diabetes, they have already developed serious complications. Prevention is better than cure; find out if YOU are at risk of Type 2 Diabetes today!

At the end of your consultation you will receive:

• Accurate and immediate test results, in an easy to read format.
• A referral to your doctor, if required.
• You will be offered tailored lifestyle information and advised on ways of reducing your chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
• An ‘Understanding Diabetes Support Pack’ which includes samples and fact sheets on topics that matter to you.

Details

Cost - $15 per customer
Duration per consultation – 25 minutes