MYTH 1 - Type 2 diabetes is less serious than Type 1
The key difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is that Type 1 is an autoimmune condition that is more common in younger people, and Type 2 has lots of risk factors that are complex and include genetics and environmental factors, among others. It can develop over time and used to be associated with older people.
While some people consider Type 2 diabetes to be less dangerous, it is a serious condition at any age, making it important to understand whether you are at risk and – if you are – to seek help.
Type 2 happens when your body can’t make enough insulin or the insulin isn’t able to work properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose (or sugar) move from your blood into your cells where it can be used for energy. Not being able to produce enough insulin, or the hormone not working properly, causes your blood sugar levels to keep rising.
Having Type 2 diabetes without treatment means that high sugar levels in your blood can seriously damage parts of your body, including your eyes, heart and feet. These health issues are called the complications of diabetes. But with the right treatment, support and care, you can live well with Type 2 diabetes and reduce your risk of developing them.
MYTH 2 - Type 2 diabetes isn't preventable
Some Australians believe Type 2 diabetes can’t be prevented.
But fortunately, this isn’t true. Many cases can be prevented or delayed by getting support to make changes to your diet, increasing physical activity and losing weight, where appropriate.
Small lifestyle changes you make now can have a big impact on your risk of developing a range of long-term health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes.
The steps to prevent or delay health conditions like Type 2 diabetes include eating more healthily. But for people pressed for time and money, eating healthily can feel out of reach. Many are deprioritising their health due to cost-of-living concerns. However, some healthy recipes and lunchbox ideas to inspire you can be found here: https://realfood.tesco.com/diabetes-recipes.html
MYTH 3 - There's no way to know if you're at risk of getting Type 2 diabetes
A recent survey showed a worrying 68% of people didn’t know how to check if they were at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Though it may seem like this information is out of reach, it’s not.
Here at Daintree Health, you can make a free appointment to see one of our friendly nurses who will complete a straightforward risk assessment with you. It won’t cost you a cent, but it may just bring you some peace of mind if developing diabetes is something you are concerned about. You can make the appointment by clicking here:
And whether you have diabetes or not, here at Daintree Health we also have a dietitian and podiatrist that will work with you and your family members to keep you healthy all year round. You can make an appointment with them here:
