Blog

Managing Diabetes – Diabetes Week 2023

Source: Pexels

Following from our last post for Diabetes Week 2023 we have provided below an number of tips and tricks to help you with managing diabetes.

Managing diabetes effectively involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication (if prescribed), and regular monitoring. Here are some key strategies for managing diabetes:

Healthy Eating:

Follow a balanced diet: Choose foods that are low in refined sugars and carbohydrates, and focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Portion control: Be mindful of your portion sizes to help regulate blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight.

Carbohydrate counting: Learn to count carbohydrates, as they significantly impact blood sugar levels. This can help you adjust your insulin or medication doses accordingly.

Regular Physical Activity:

Engage in regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (such as running) per week. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.

Incorporate strength training: Include activities that strengthen your muscles at least twice weekly.

Stay active throughout the day:

Avoid prolonged sitting or sedentary behaviours by taking short walks, stretching, or doing light exercises every hour.

Medication and Insulin:

Take prescribed medications as directed: If you have type 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral medications or injectable medications like insulin to help manage your blood sugar levels.

Insulin management: If you have type 1 diabetes or require insulin, work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate type of insulin, dosage, and timing of injections or use of insulin pumps.

Regular Monitoring:

Check blood sugar levels: Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly using a glucose meter. This helps you understand how your body responds to different foods, activities, and medications.

A1C tests: Get your A1C levels checked as your healthcare provider recommends. This test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.

Stress Management:

Stress can affect blood sugar levels, so finding healthy ways to manage stress is important. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or engaging in activities you enjoy.

Regular Medical Check-ups:

Schedule regular visits with your healthcare provider to monitor your diabetes management, review your medication plan, and address any concerns or questions you may have.

Diabetes Education and Support:

Consider attending diabetes education programs or support groups to learn more about managing diabetes and connect with others with similar experiences. Diabetes Australia provides a great variety of supports and services.

Managing diabetes is a lifelong commitment, and individual approaches may vary. It’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalised diabetes management plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

As always you can reach out to the wonderful team at Twin Waters Pharmacy for help and advice.

Diabetes Week 2023 – What is Diabetes?

Diabetes Week 2023 is here and we thought it would be a great time to start the Twin Waters Pharmacy. We will bring you regular posts about health topics and interesting topics to help you live happier and healthier lives. If there are topics that you want us to cover, let us know.

Source: Pexels

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1

In this type, your immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. As a result, your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. The main effects of type 1 diabetes include:

  • High blood sugar: Elevated levels of blood sugar can lead to various symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis: If left untreated, type 1 diabetes can result in a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA characterized by the buildup of ketones in the blood, leading to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity-scented breath, and confusion.
  • Long-term complications: Poorly controlled type 1 diabetes can contribute to long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage (neuropathy), eye problems, and foot ulcers.

Type 2

In this type, your body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is influenced by factors such as genetics, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. The effects of type 2 diabetes include:

  • High blood sugar: Similar to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes also leads to high blood sugar levels, causing symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
  • Cardiovascular complications: Type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
  • Kidney disease: Diabetes can damage the kidneys over time, leading to diabetic nephropathy and potentially requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.
  • Nerve damage: High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in your body, resulting in neuropathy, which commonly affects the feet and legs. Symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, and a loss of sensation.
  • Eye problems: Diabetes can cause various eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma, which, if left untreated, can lead to vision loss or blindness.
  • Slow wound healing: High blood sugar levels can impair the body’s ability to heal wounds, making infections more likely and increasing the risk of complications, such as diabetic foot ulcers.

It’s important to manage diabetes effectively through lifestyle modifications, medication (if necessary), regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, and close medical supervision. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of complications and maintain a healthier life. Consulting with a healthcare professional will provide you with personalized guidance and support for managing your diabetes effectively.

Where Can I find out more about diabetes?

Everyone at Twin Waters Pharmacy is dedicated to your health. We can help you or your loved ones. Please get in contact with us or drop into the store.

You can also reach out to Diabetes Australia for a wonderful range of advice, education and support.

COVID-19

Source: Maya Peters | CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International

COVID-19 is still a major health issue in Australia and around the world. you can see the latest statistics for Australia here.

Protect yourself from COVID-19

Make sure you are protected by keeping your vaccinations up to date. As of 14/06/2023 the recommendation is for everyone aged 18 and over to get a booster vaccination for COVID-19 6 months after your last vaccination or infection.

Twin Waters Pharmacy offers the latest Bivalent vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer. These vaccines are recommended for everyone 12 years and over.

We can also provide the Novavax for people who can’t receive the recommended vaccines.

Children aged 5-11 years old can also receive their vaccines at Twin Waters Pharmacy.

For the latest complete recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations please checkout the Australian Government Health – COVID-19 site.

It is also important to consider the environment around you. If you are going to be in crowded places, especially indoors, consider wearing a well fitting mask.

What if I test positive to COVID-19?

If you test positive to COVID-19 there are several steps you should take.

  • Isolate yourself to prevent infecting others and stay home for 7 days or until you have no symptoms of acute respiratory infection
  • Register your infection with Qld Health
  • If any of the following situations apply to you call your doctor or the National Coronavirus hotline 1800 020 080
    • Over 70 years of age
    • Over 30 years of age, identify as either Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander and have pre-existing medical conditions
    • Over 18 years and have immune compromise
    • Over 50 and have pre-existing health conditions
    • Previously been hospitalised with COVID-19
  • If you think your symptoms are getting more severe call the National Coronavirus Hotline 1800 020 080 or 000

You can find more details on the Queensland Health Website

How can Twin Waters Pharmacy help?

We can advise if you should contact your GP or other services. Call us to speak to one of our pharmacists.

We can deliver to your door to allow you to isolate safely. We can provide regular medications, COVID-19 Antivirals or any other items to support you through your infection.

If you are unsure about anything relating to your health or COVID-19 please reach out to Twin Waters Pharmacy so we can help you.