Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)

1. Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2) By Madison and Jemma

2. What is it? Description. • Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition in which the sufferer is unable to utilise blood glucose correctly. • There are three types of this NHPA: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes

3. Different types: • Gestational • Occurs during pregnancy in 3-8% of pregnant women. • Women experiencing gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes • The mother may not be able to produce enough insulin to metabolise the glucose. • Type 2 • Pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body cannot use the insulin effectively, this is known as insulin resistance. • Type 1 • Children and youths are most commonly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, although it can occur at any stage of life. • Characterised by the pancreas not producing enough insulin to allow glucose from the blood into the cells.

4. Type 2 diabetes • Usually occurs in older, often overweight people, although more and more cases are being reported in younger Australians. • Greatest risk factor is being overweight. • Fat cells may be more resistant to insulin than muscles. • People who are overweight have put a strain on their pancreas as it has tried to produce enough insulin to metabolise blood glucose. • High levels of fat in the body may destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. • Controlling diabetes; lifestyle changes regarding diet, physical activity levels and weight management. • Associated with obesity, CV disease, hypertension and high cholesterol.

5. Why has it been selected as a NHPA? • Diabetes is a leading contributor to burden of disease. • Results from the 2011-13 Australian Health Survey indicate over 850 000 Australians reported having diabetes as a long-term condition. • In 2012 diabetes mellitus was the underlying cause of death in 2.7% of all deaths registered. • The data suggests that diabetes is a growing health problem in Australia. • Type 2 diabetes is influenced by a range of modifiable risk factors.

6. How it contributes to the burden of disease? The burden of disease attributable to diabetes, Australia, 1996

7. Biological: • Body weight • High blood pressure and high cholesterol are more common in people with type 2 diabetes. • Impaired glucose regulation is often seen as a precursor to type 2 diabetes. • Genetic predisposition. • Age. Risk factors • Behavioural: • Tobacco smoking (higher blood glucose levels). • Excessive alcohol consumption. • Dietary behaviour. • Physical inactivity. • Physical environment: • Access to recreational facilities. • Work environment (promote incidental physical activity). • Transport systems.

8. Health Promotion Strategies • Shape Up Australia campaign • Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes program • Programs run by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation • National Diabetes Week • “Life!”

9. The Shape Up Australia Campaign • A federal government initiative that promotes physical activity and healthy eating in an attempt to decrease obesity rates, reduce waist measurements and associated chronic conditions including diabetes. • To promote living a healthy lifestyle and good wellbeing. • Waist circumference • Increased risks: • Men: more than 94cm • Women: more than 80 cm • Greatly increased risks: • Men: more than 102 cm • Women: more than 88cm

10. Direct: • 2004-05, approximately $900 million. • Community: doctors’ and specialists’ consultations and pharmaceuticals. Individuals: co-payments for health services and medication, ambulance transport (diabetic coma). • Indirect: • Almost $3 billion • Community: government social security payments, lost productivity and payment for carers. • Individuals: paying for a dietitian or personal trainer, lost income if unable to work • Intangiable: • Community: frustration experienced by family members, relatives and friends experiencing anxiety and stress. • Individuals: frustration over making changes, loss of self-esteem, anxiety.