East Perth, WA
At Next Practice East Perth, we take pride in helping patients with metabolic diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus (known commonly as Diabetes). From prevention, to diagnosis, through to management of the condition, we can assist you in whatever stage you’re at in your healthcare journey.
Diabetes is a chronic condition where there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood, due to lack of insulin or the body ineffectively using the small amounts of insulin it does make. Insulin is vital for converting glucose into energy and redirecting it throughout the body. Without insulin, glucose will stay in the bloodstream which has negative consequences.
In the short term, high glucose levels can make you feel tired and potentially feeling dehydrated or thirsty. In the long term, high glucose levels can damage the kidneys, eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves and cause long term health complications.
There are four main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, Diabetes due to other causes and Gestational diabetes.
Type 1
Type 1 diabetes means the pancreas is no longer producing insulin in the body. Insulin is vital to converting glucose into energy by reducing the amount of glucose in the blood. This is a very serious type of diabetes that requires strict ongoing management such as insulin injections, and a lifestyle modification plan.
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes means the pancreas isn’t working as effectively as it should and is unable to convert glucose into energy, leaving too much glucose in the blood. This type of diabetes is often managed through medication and lifestyle modification.
Diabetes - other causes
These are uncommon and are seen in newborn infants and young adults below the age of 30.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes mellitus is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, when the placenta produces hormones that blocks the action of the woman’s insulin, causing insulin resistance. This type of diabetes can often be managed through a healthy lifestyle such as clean eating and regular physical activity.
Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as Diabetes. Those with pre-diabetes have a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. To help manage symptoms and prevent escalation of the condition, a healthy and active lifestyle is often recommended.
Diabetes is a serious medical condition that requires effective management to ensure a high quality of life. The management plan for diabetes depends on the individual and the type of diabetes that is diagnosed. If you are someone that has diabetes, or pre-diabetes, please talk with your healthcare practitioner about a personalised management plan.
In type 1 diabetes, symptoms are often sudden and serious and can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional quickly. If you’re feeling unwell, always visit your GP to determine a diagnosis.
In type 2 diabetes, many people have minimal to no symptoms at all. By the time symptoms are noticed or discovered, health complications of diabetes may already be present.
Common symptoms include:
If you are experiencing any of the above systems, or notice something different within your body, book an appointment with your general practitioner to investigate.
East Perth, WA