Diabetes is a chronic condition marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. It is caused by the body’s being unable to produce or use insulin effectively, or both.
- Type 1 diabetes – an autoimmune disease that usually has an onset early in someone’s life.
- Type 2 diabetes – the most common form of diabetes, generally having a later onset. It is largely preventable and is often associated with lifestyle factors such as insufficient physical activity, unhealthy diet, obesity, and tobacco smoking.
Social Justice involves the establishment of supportive environments and the promotion of diversity. Social justice principles work together to manage health inequities based on morbidity and mortality rates and cultural, social, economic and political factors. Equity, in a way, requires the allocation of funds and resources to be biased towards the disadvantaged, to ensure that they will then get the support needed. Diabetes has more loss of quality and quantity of life in those people who have limited access. Because of their limited access to health services, diabetes cannot be detected as early as other people who are able to access the facilities.
Diabetes was the underlying cause of around five thousand deaths in 2016. However, it contributed to about sixteen thousand deaths. Between 2009 and 2014, death rates fell by 20% for people with type 1 diabetes but rose by 10% for people with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia and is increasing much faster than other diseases such as CVD and cancer.
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All types of diabetes are increasing in prevalence:
- Type 1 diabetes accounts for 10% of all diabetes and is increasing
- Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85% of all diabetes and is increasing
- Diabetes in pregnancy is also increasing
Australia has a socially and culturally diverse population and particular groups are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including culturally and linguistically diverse people, older Australians, Australians living in rural and remote areas and people with a mental health illness. The Strategy recommends that each group may require specific attention including different policy or health system approaches as appropriate to their identified needs.
Currently, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. However, researchers are looking into the autoimmune process and environmental factors that lead people to developing type 1 diabetes to help prevent type 1 diabetes in the future.
Evidence shows type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in up to 58 percent of cases by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and following a healthy diet.
People at risk of type 2 diabetes can delay and even prevent the condition by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular physical activity
- Making healthy food choices
- Managing blood pressure
- Managing cholesterol levels
- Not smoking.
Secondary prevention aims to stop costly diabetes complications for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and involves a combination of early identification of people with type 2 diabetes, support for changes to their lifestyle and enhanced treatment for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The total annual cost for people with type 2 diabetes in Australia is estimated at $6 billion and $570 million for people with type 1 diabetes. The average annual cost per person increases greatly with the presence of complications, from $4,025 per person with type 2 diabetes without complications and $3,468 per person with type 1 diabetes without complications, to $9,645 per person with type 2 diabetes with micro- and macrovascular complications and $16,698 per person with type 1 diabetes with micro- and macro vascular complications.
References
- diabetes.org – Official website of the American Diabetes Association with information and resources about diabetes.
- mayoclinic.org – Mayo Clinic’s comprehensive guide to understanding the symptoms and causes of diabetes.
- cdc.gov – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage on diabetes, providing statistics, prevention tips, and educational materials.
- niddk.nih.gov – The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers an overview of diabetes, its types, and treatment options for patients.
- diabetes.co.uk – A website dedicated to providing information, support, and a community for people with diabetes in the UK.
- webmd.com – WebMD’s section on diabetes, featuring articles written by medical professionals to help people understand the condition.
- healthline.com – Healthline’s guide to type 2 diabetes, containing detailed information on symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies.
- diabeteseducator.org – The website of the American Association of Diabetes Educators, offering resources for healthcare professionals and patients to improve diabetes education and management.
- diabetesselfmanagement.com – A website with practical resources and articles for self-managing diabetes. It covers topics such as nutrition, exercise, and medication.
