Disclaimer: This guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you are experiencing an emergency, go to your nearest hospital or call 000.
What is it?
Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic condition characterised by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This occurs because the body either cannot produce insulin, produces insufficient insulin, or cannot use insulin effectively.
Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, allows glucose to enter cells to be used for energy. Elevated blood glucose levels can harm blood vessels and nerves, leading to complications in the heart, kidneys, eyes, and feet.
Diabetes can impact individuals of all ages and requires ongoing management, as there is currently no cure. The primary types of diabetes include Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, with pre-diabetes often preceding Type 2 diabetes.
The condition is prevalent, with over 1.3 million Australians diagnosed by 2021.
Effective management of diabetes involves a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and monitoring blood glucose levels. Early detection and continuous management are essential to prevent long-term health complications associated with diabetes.
Effective management
Diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2, can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and proper self-care. By maintaining good control over the condition, the risk of complications can be significantly reduced.
Here are some important facts about diabetes:
- It is a common cause of vision problems in adults.
- It can affect kidney function, sometimes leading to dialysis.
- It increases the likelihood of heart disease and stroke.
- It can lead to limb issues requiring amputation.
- It impacts both mental and physical health, and some people may experience depression, anxiety, or distress.
With timely diagnosis and consistent management, people with diabetes can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can develop rapidly and may be severe, often leading to a swift diagnosis within a few hours or days. In contrast, Type 2 diabetes frequently presents no symptoms, or the signs can be subtle and mistaken for normal aging.
Common signs of diabetes are:
- Extreme thirst or hunger
- Increased urination
- Persistent tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss (in Type 1 diabetes) or gradual weight gain (in Type 2 diabetes)
- Slow-healing sores
- Itchy skin or frequent skin infections
- Blurred vision
Although there is currently no cure for diabetes, it does not prevent people from leading a full, successful life.
Prevention
While Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, Type 2 diabetes can often be delayed or avoided through healthy lifestyle choices. Key preventive measures include:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular physical activity
- Regular health check-ups
How we can help
We provide a convenient and secure system for you to see a doctor from the comfort of your own home, or on the go with your smart device. You can have a video call on-demand by joining the queue for the next available doctor, or schedule an appointment at a time that suits you. We’re open every day, 24 hours a day – including public holidays – because we know illness and injury don’t adhere to conventional practice hours.
Much like a traditional appointment your telehealth doctor will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including:
- pre-existing conditions, family history & lifestyle.
- preferred treatments and ability to access them.
- individualised advice to treat your condition.
- referrals or scripts at the discretion of the doctor.
Why choose doctors on demand?
Talk to a doctor about diabetes.
Our patients choose us for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, to addressing specific concerns such as hair loss and acne – or simply because they need a medical certificate or referral. Choose from over 150 doctors with a wide range of qualifications and experiences, and 31 languages spoken, to find the right fit for you. All our doctors are registered in Australia by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for a minimum of 3 years.