Diabetes
Southern Health Diabetes Unit provides specific care for each type of diabetes and is linked with community health services, private health services and general practitioners to provide 2-way access.Diabetes: At a glance
- Diabetes is a condition in which there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood.
- Almost one in four Australians aged 25 years and over has either diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Diabetes increases the risk of serious complications like heart disease.
- Increasing diabetes prevalence is linked to increasing obesity and less active lifestyles.
Diabetes: Different types
- Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed before the age of 30 but can occur at any age.
- Type 2 diabetes often occurs in those who have a family history of diabetes and can be triggered by being inactive and carrying extra weight around the abdomen.
- Pre-diabetes is when there is a very high risk of developing type 2 diabetes (and a subsequent high risk of heart disease).
- Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the years after the birth.
Diabetes: How do I know; What do I do?
It is important that diabetes is diagnosed and treated early.
Symptoms include:
• Thirst
• Tiredness
• Frequent / excessive urination
• Persistent infections, such as genital thrush
• Skin rashes / itching
Some people will not have any of these symptoms and may be diagnosed during a routine blood test.
A yearly blood test is recommended if you fit into any of the following risk categories:
• Age - the older you get the more likely you are to get diabetes
• Family history
• History of gestational diabetes
• History of cardiovascular disease
Also, the following preventable factors increase diabetes risk:
• Excessive weight - especially around your waist
• Physical inactivity
• Poor/ unbalanced diet
Symptoms include:
• Thirst
• Tiredness
• Frequent / excessive urination
• Persistent infections, such as genital thrush
• Skin rashes / itching
Some people will not have any of these symptoms and may be diagnosed during a routine blood test.
A yearly blood test is recommended if you fit into any of the following risk categories:
• Age - the older you get the more likely you are to get diabetes
• Family history
• History of gestational diabetes
• History of cardiovascular disease
Also, the following preventable factors increase diabetes risk:
• Excessive weight - especially around your waist
• Physical inactivity
• Poor/ unbalanced diet
Diabetes: Services
- Consult with your general practitioner (GP) to access the most suitable diabetes service.
- Self management courses & community services if you live in the following areas or have a G.P in the following areas:
• Greater Dandenong
• City of Casey
• Shire of Cardinia
Please call: (03) 8768 5147
- For community diabetes services in the surrounding areas (click on links):
Monash: (Monashlink CHS)
Kingston: (Central Bayside CHS & Bentleigh Bayside CHS)
