It’s National Diabetes Week, and Diabetes Australia is highlighting the mental and emotional health impacts of living with diabetes as part of their “Heads Up” campaign.
At Queensland Country Health Fund, we understand that when someone is newly diagnosed with diabetes, they often have a lot of questions and fears.
We have a dedicated online resource centre available to Members with diabetes facts, information and personal stories, and our Care Navigation team* with qualified nursing staff can help reduce the emotional overwhelm and guide you through your diagnosis and effective management of your condition.
A proactive approach to your health and wellbeing is crucial to reducing the risk of chronic illness. According to Diabetes Australia, Type 2 diabetes affects 85-90% of all people diagnosed with diabetes, and it is often associated with modifiable risk factors. In addition to oral medication or insulin injections, it is managed with a combination of regular physical activity, healthy eating and weight reduction.
Without effective management, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as renal failure, blood pressure, cardiac disease and infections, and in extreme cases, it can result in blindness or amputations. Diabetes with complications increases emergency presentations and hospital admissions by 48% and increases mortality by 13% - 30%.
National Diabetes Week is a timely reminder to take a proactive approach to your health to reduce the onset of chronic illnesses such as Type 2 Diabetes. Take our short quiz to see if you are at risk of Type 2 Diabetes here.
*Conditions apply, applies to our top level of hospital cover and restrictions apply.