National Diabetes Week 2023 runs from 9 to 15 July and is the perfect time to learn more about this condition and how to live with it safely.

In this post, we’re going to tell you about the week and also about diabetes itself.

You’ll learn some facts and statistics about the disease and, just as importantly, how to live your best life with diabetes or help someone close to you live theirs.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is short for “diabetes mellitus.” This is a group of conditions that causes levels of glucose (a type of sugar) in your blood to increase beyond healthy levels.

Normally, a hormone called insulin helps your body control blood sugar levels.

If your pancreas aren’t capable of producing enough insulin or your body has difficulty using it, then diabetes occurs.

Let’s take a closer look at the different types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 diabetes — this is an auto-immune condition that happens when your own immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes isn’t known, but environment and genetics may play a part.
  • Type 2 diabetes — this type of diabetes can develop over a long period of time during which your insulin becomes less and less able to manage your blood glucose levels. As a result, your pancreas work harder to produce insulin, and their insulin-producing cells wear out.
  • Gestational diabetes — this can develop during pregnancy when a hormone produced by the placenta stops the body from using insulin effectively.
  • Pre-diabetes — this is when your blood glucose levels are higher than they should be, but not high enough to warrant a diagnosis of diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes

Symptoms of diabetes include:

  • Excessive hunger or thirst
  • Urinating more than usual
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss for type 1 diabetes or weight gain for type 2 diabetes
  • Slow healing of scratches and cuts
  • Skin infections and/or itchy skin
  • Blurry vision

Be aware that people with type 2 diabetes may not notice symptoms.

Who does it impact?

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2021, around 1.3 million Australians were living with diabetes (this figure excludes gestational diabetes). That’s around 1 in 20 of us.

You are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if:

  • You have high blood pressure.
  • You have a family history of diabetes.
  • You are not physically active.
  • You eat an unhealthy diet.
  • You are overweight or obese, particularly around the waist.

What’s the treatment for diabetes?

If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need a form of insulin replacement to help control your blood glucose levels. This could be through injections or a pump.

Sometimes lifestyle changes can help people with type 2 diabetes — these include exercising and eating a healthy diet. But it is likely you will need medication at some point, either in the form of injections or tablets.

Lifestyle changes can also often treat gestational diabetes effectively, although in some cases medication is needed. In many cases, gestational diabetes goes away after you have had your baby. If it continues beyond pregnancy, it’s known as type 2 diabetes.

Taking care of your diet and exercise can treat pre-diabetes and stop it from developing further.

Whichever type of diabetes you have, you will need to monitor your blood glucose regularly to keep on top of your healthcare.

What about complications?

You are at risk of serious complications if you don’t follow your treatment programme. These can include:

  • Hypoglycaemia (when your blood glucose level is too low)
  • Hyperglycaemia (when your blood glucose level is too high)
  • Heart disease and stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Foot conditions
  • Kidney disease
  • Loss of vision

What’s happening in National Diabetes Week?

Lots of events are happening in National Diabetes Week to raise awareness of the condition, including debates hosted by Diabetes Australia about research and treatment and the chance to have your say into the government’s Inquiry into Diabetes.

You can support the week by raising awareness at your school, workplace or community hub, joining in discussions and sharing your experience on social media.

Find out more about the week on the Diabetes Australia website.

Tips for living well with diabetes

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, there’s no reason why you can’t live well with the condition. Follow our tips to know how:

  • Make sure you attend your medical appointments and take any medication you are prescribed.
  • Keep a diary of symptoms and patterns in your health to share with your doctor or nurse at appointments.
  • Eat a healthy diet that’s diabetes-friendly — your healthcare professional can advise you on this.
  • Exercise regularly. Start off small if you’re out of practice by choosing a gentle activity like walking, swimming or yoga and build up your stamina gradually.
  • Wear a diabetes wristband with details of your condition and any medication you are taking. This will help you during an emergency if you aren’t able to communicate your needs. For optimum comfort, choose a silicone diabetes wristband that’s comfortable and hard-wearing too.

Live your best life all year round

You can still live a full life with diabetes, and this awareness week is the ideal time to find out more about keeping healthy with the condition.

Keeping safe is important too. Choose a diabetes bracelet from the Mediband range and have it customised with your details so you get appropriate care in the event of a medical emergency.

You can check out our full health and well-being range in our online shop. Each product is designed to help you live an active life, not just in National Diabetes Week, but all year round!