Effective Diabetes Management: How Personal Alarms Make a Difference
In Australia, a staggering 1.9 million individuals are living with diabetes, a chronic condition that disrupts the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetes can pave the way for long-term complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve impairment, and vision issues. As such, it's important to manage diabetes diligently each day to safeguard optimal health and wellbeing.
From consistently monitoring blood glucose levels to adhering to a tailored meal plan, engaging in regular physical activity, and faithfully taking prescribed medications or insulin, a proactive approach can help keep diabetes in check and reduce the risk of developing further complications.
What is Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to produce or effectively utilise insulin - a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.
There are common types of diabetes, each with distinct characteristics and treatment approaches.
Type 1:
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes require insulin to manage their blood sugar levels effectively. Often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, type 1 diabetes is typically not preventable and involves lifelong insulin therapy.
Type 2:
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or fails to produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. It is usually influenced by genetic factors and lifestyle choices and often diagnosed in adults. Treatment can involve lifestyle changes, oral medications, insulin therapy, or a combination.
Diabetes in Australia
According to Diabetes Australia, more than 300 Australians develop diabetes every day, and 85-90% of all cases are type 2 diabetes. Around 1.2 million people are hospitalised with diabetes-related conditions every year. In fact, diabetes is now the seventh most common cause of death by disease in Australia. Older people are more at risk, with over 70% of diabetes-related hospitalisations occurring in people aged 60 and over.
Proper management of diabetes through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring is crucial to minimising hospitalisation and other risks and maintain a healthy, fulfilling life.
Diabetes-related emergencies
Diabetes can lead to emergencies such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Recognising the symptoms and knowing how to respond is crucial:
Hypoglycemia:
Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and irritability. If you experience these, consume fast-acting carbohydrates like glucose tablets, jellybeans, or a sugary drink (not diet). If symptoms persist, seek medical assistance.
Hyperglycemia:
Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision. Follow your diabetes management plan and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
There are devices can help you monitor and manage your diabetes effectively:
- Blood Glucose Meters: These devices use a small drop of blood to provide immediate blood glucose levels. They are essential for daily monitoring.
- Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): CGMs provide real-time glucose readings throughout the day and night, helping you track trends and make informed decisions about your diabetes management.
- Flash Glucose Monitors (Flash GM): Similar to CGMs, these devices provide continuous glucose readings but require a quick scan to display the data.
Having an emergency kit ready can be a lifesaver. Your kit should include:
- A 14-day supply of prescription medications and insulin.
- Blood glucose monitoring supplies.
- A hypoglycemia kit with glucose tablets or gel.
By staying vigilant and equipped with the right tools, you can effectively manage diabetes and handle emergencies with confidence.
Living safely with diabetes
Monitored personal alarms can be a game-changer for people living with diabetes, offering an added layer of safety and peace of mind.
Here’s how it can help:
Rapid Emergency Response:
Monitored personal alarms quickly connect to trained emergency responders who know exactly what to do and do not waste time, which can help prevent further complications.
24/7 Monitoring and Support:
Emergencies can be unpredictable. Monitored personal alarms provide 24-hour support, day and night.
Tailored Emergency Support:
Your relevant health information and medical history is stored securely on file and can be provided to the ambulance service so that they can prioritise the call and tailor their response to your condition.
Active Lifestyle and Independence:
With a choice of a home-based alarm, mobile alarm and a watch alarm, you can enjoy greater independence and maintain an active lifestyle, knowing you are protected in case of an emergency.
Ageing and diabetes
Diabetes management remains consistent no matter your age, however some aspects of ageing can present challenges. Physical changes like declining vision or mobility may make it more difficult to manage your diabetes care independently. Differentiating between symptoms caused by diabetes and those stemming from ageing can be tricky, so if you notice new symptoms or changes in your condition, consult your GP or a medical professional.
For more information on ageing and diabetes you can refer to the NDSS' Managing diabetes as you age guide.
Consider the added layer of security provided by a monitored personal alarm service. This is particularly important if you're at risk of falls, take specific diabetes medications, or have other health concerns. A 24/7 emergency monitoring service like MePACS serves as a dependable safety net, offering peace of mind to you and your family with the assurance that professional help is available at any time.
*Disclaimer: This information does not intend to replace advice from a qualified health professional. Speak to your GP or healthcare professional about any health concerns.
