According to Diabetes Australia, diabetes is the biggest challenge confronting Australia’s health system, with 280 Australians developing diabetes every day – that’s one person every five minutes.
Many people who are diagnosed with diabetes live a relatively normal life, they can continue to live independently and go about their daily life like anyone else; albeit being mindful of their glucose levels and early signs of a diabetic episode.
However, there may be times where diabetic sufferers and their loved ones may feel that the individual needs a bit more support and peace of mind, and an additional safety measure such as a personal alarm can deliver that additional comfort and security should immediate emergency help be needed.
What is diabetes?
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states that diabetes is a chronic condition marked by elevated levels of glucose in the blood. It is caused either by the inability of the body to produce insulin (a hormone made by the pancreas to control blood glucose levels) or by the body not being able to use insulin effectively, or both.
Why is it important to manage diabetes?
In the long run, by not controlling your diabetes can cause damage to important organs, like the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. This means that people who have diabetes are more likely to experience heart disease like a stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve problems.
What are the types of diabetes?
There are several types of diabetes; all types are complex and serious. The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and
What is Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system is activated to destroy the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. There is no known cause to this autoimmune reaction. There is also no known cure, and it cannot be prevented.
- Increased thirst
- Needing to frequently go to the toilet
- Extreme hunger
- Unintended weight loss
- Mood swings
- Fatigue and weakness
- Having cuts that heal slowly
- Blurred vision
The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes develop quickly over a period of three or four weeks. You should visit your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above
Treatment of Type 1 diabetes
If you are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes you will need regular insulin injections throughout your life to keep your glucose levels normal. When you are first diagnosed you will be taught how to do this and how to match the amount of insulin with the types of food you eat and the amount of exercise you do.
What is Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when there is not enough glucose being produced, and any that is produced ends up not working correctly. We need insulin to help move glucose out of our blood and into our cells, so we can use it for energy.
Type 2 diabetes is preventable and is often associated with lifestyle factors including physical inactivity, poor diet, being overweight or obese, and tobacco smoking.
Symptom of Type 2 diabetes
The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are similar to Type 1; however, they do not develop as quickly or strongly, many people can have the condition for many years without even realising.
Treatment of Type 2 diabetes
After being diagnosed with Type 2 you will be told by your GP to make lifestyle changes to take care of your health.
The primary areas that you will need to look at adjusting are:
- Healthy eating – Which could include increasing the amount of fibre and reducing your sugar and fat intake.
- Maintaining a healthy weight – You can do this by gradually reducing your calorie intake and being more physically active.
As this form of the condition can become worse over time, these changes may simply not be enough. You may be required to take medication to help control your blood glucose levels.
What are some ways to manage Type 2 diabetes?</b
Diabetes Australia gives some great advice to how to prevent diabetes and claims that strong international evidence shows diabetes prevention programs can help prevent type 2 diabetes in up to 58 per cent of cases. The best way to reduce your risk is by eating better, moving more, and losing weight if you are overweight.
You can assess your risk using the Diabetes Australia risk calculator.
Is there an alarm for low blood sugar?
Security measures like a personal safety alarm can help protect people if they suffer from medical conditions like diabetes. If a user feels unwell or suffers a fall, he or she can raise the alert for help via their personal alarm. A safety alarm can also provide the confidence to live alone and independently.
What are some ways to manage diabetes?
Assistive technology supports people with diabetes by providing them with a way to feel greater peace of mind and safer.
There are several devices that can help you manage and live safely with diabetes. Some of these include:
- Blood Glucose Monitors
- Flash Glucose Monitoring
- Insulin Pumps
- Insulin injections
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Personal Wearable Monitored Alarms
The diagnosis of diabetes can be a challenging time for all concerned. With the added security of a personal alarm service with 24/7 response can provide an individual and their loved ones with vital reassurance that in an emergency - quick assistance is available, anytime day or night.
MePACS is a monitored personal medical alarm service that is trusted by over 50,000 clients Australia wide and backed by a public health provider, so all profits go back into the public health system.
A personal emergency alarm provides additional safety and reassurance. In an emergency, a MePACS personal alarm enables the client to raise an alert for help at the press of one button. Our friendly response team will respond within 2 minutes and will contact either Triple Zero or a family member or friend.
Why a MePACS wearable medical alarm can provide peace of mind for someone who has diabetes
- We offer guaranteed 24/7 Fast Response
- Response is guaranteed by our friendly trained team, anytime day or night.
- Range of safety alarms available to suit your lifestyle, from home, mobile and watch alarms.
- Our alarms give you peace of mind to live independently
- We keep in contact until help has arrived – Providing a reassuring, comforting voice at the end of the phone line.
- Our system works independently of the NBN so no need for a phone line
- With a built in SIM card, our alarms can be used anywhere with sufficient mobile coverage in Australia.
- No Lock-in Contracts.
*This information does not intend to replace advice from a qualified health professional. Speak to your GP first about any health concerns.
A MePACS alarm can give people living with diabetes the reassurance and support they need to maintain an independent life. To join MePACS, call our friendly team on 1800 685 329 or Join Now.