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Diabetes is characterised by an abnormality of glucose (sugar) metabolism. This is due to the body
failing to respond to insulin (insulin resistance) or failing to produce insulin altogether.

Glucose is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas and
is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose. Insulin takes the glucose from the blood and
delivers it into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause
two problems:

1.  Immediately your cells may be starved for energy. If this is prolonged it may potentially lead to       unconsciousness.
2.  Over time (months to years), high blood glucose levels may damage your eyes, kidneys, nervesand
      heart.

Glucose is ingested at mealtimes in carbohydrates from foods such as bread, cereals, fruit and sugar. Glucose enters the blood stream then begins to rise, the insulin then works quickly to put it into
storage for future energy needs.

The level of blood glucose in healthy people does not vary much, with normal levels remaining
between 3.5 and 7.8 mmol/L.

If there is not enough insulin, glucose levels in the blood begin to rise, leading to symptoms that can
indicate the development of diabetes. If these symptoms are ignored or left untreated the person can
fall unconscious and become seriously ill.

What is the incidence of diabetes?

•    Diabetes is the world’s fastest growing disease.
•    It is the sixth highest cause of death in Australia.
•    Is estimated to cost the nation $3.1 billion annually in health care.
•    In Australia, it is thought that over 1,200,000 people have diabetes, but half of this number remain      undiagnosed because their symptoms are either absent or are unrecognised.

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There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

•    Type 1 diabetes develops when the cells that produce insulin have been destroyed by the body’s
      immune system and as a result the body cannot produce insulin.
•    People with Type 1 diabetes must have insulin injections regularly to live.
•    Although the cause is unknown, it may be hereditary or triggered by a viral infection.
•    Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can be sudden and life threatening, so it is generally diagnosed
     quickly.

•    Symptoms include:
      – excessive thirst
      – frequent urination
      – hunger
      – weight loss
      – itching skin
      – nausea/vomiting

Type 2 diabetes

•    Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting 85-90% of all people with diabetes. 
•    It occurs when the body does not make enough insulin, or the cells of the body become insulin
      resistant.
•    Type 2 diabetes is known as a ‘lifestyle disease’ as it is associated with excessive weight, high
      blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
•    Symptoms of undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes can be subtle and go on undetected for some time.
•    Symptoms include:
      – excessive thirst or a dry mouth
      – frequent urination
      – feeling increasingly fatigued or lethargic
      – skin or thrush infections
      – weight gain
      – blurred vision
      – feeling dizzy

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Gestational diabetes •    Gestational diabetes occurs in five per cent of pregnant women.  •    It occurs when the hormones created by the placenta (that nourish      and develop the foetus) block the mother’s ability to make insulin      (insulin resistance). •    Pregnant women need two to three times more insulin than normal      and if the body is unable to produce enough, diabetes may develop. •    In most cases, it doesn’t affect the baby and usually disappears      after giving birth. •    Those at a higher risk of gestational diabetes include women over      30 who have a family history of Type 2 diabetes, are overweight,      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese,      Middle Eastern and Polynesian/Melanesian women.  Am I at risk of developing diabetes? Several factors contribute to the likelihood of developing diabetes, including: •    poor diet •    excessive weight •    lack of exercise •    ethnicity •    genetic predisposition

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Take this simple test to determine your risk

Answer these questions by checking 'yes' or 'no'

Are you overweight?         Yes No

If you are not sure if you're overweight:

- What is your height in metres?  

- What is your weight in kg? 

Calculate your body mass index (BMI) by using this formula:

Weight (kg) 
---------------   =   BMI (if you have any difficulties please ask your pharmacist to assist you)
Height (m)

The accepted weight classifications of BMI are:

Note: The BMI does not take into consideration gender, age, race or muscle bulk – all of which can
influence the outcome. For example, if you are very active, a high BMI may be due to muscle bulk
rather than fat.

Is you blood pressure greater than 140/90mm? (If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist to measure your blood pressure)	Yes	No
Are you physically inactive? (Do you exercise less than 3 times per week?)	Yes	No
Do you have a parent/brother/sister with diabetes?	Yes	No
If female, have you had diabetes during pregnancy?	Yes	No
If female, have you had a baby who weighed greater than 4kg (or 9 pounds)?	Yes	No
Do you have high cholesterol levels (above 5.5mmol/L)?	Yes	No
Are you over 45 years of age?	Yes	No

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The simplest way to prevent the onset of diabetes, or manage your condition,
is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have regular health checks.

Lifestyle recommendations:

The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can be reduced by up to 60% with the introduction of a healthy lifestyle. 

You can improve your lifestyle and reduce your risk of diabetes by:

•    reducing intake of foods with a high saturated fat and sugar content
•    eating more fresh vegetables, fruits and wholegrain cereals with a low glycemic index (GI) rating for
l     longer burning energy and regulated blood glucose levels
•    maintaining a healthy body weight
•    quit smoking
•    exercising at least three times a week (consult your GP for a routine appropriate to your abilities)
•    having regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks.

Managing Diabetes

People with diabetes can help manage their disease by adjusting their lifestyle, taking appropriate medication if required, and regular monitoring of their condition. People with pre-diabetes may be
able to delay their need for medication by following the lifestyle recommendations. Pre-diabetes is
a condition where the body’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to
be classified as Type 2 diabetes.

Hypoglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia occurs when there is not enough glucose in the bloodstream. For people with
diabetes
it can be a result of too much insulin and an insufficient intake of carbohydrates.

Hypoglycaemia can be life-threatening and needs immediate treatment, either through the
administration of glucose found in jelly beans or sweet sugary drinks, or by injection if the person
has gone into a coma If this does occur, call 000 immediately for an ambulance.

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Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include:

•    anxiety
•    irritability
•    trembling
•    sweating
•    heart palpitations
•    unco-ordination

Medicines

Type 1 diabetes will require life long insulin injections. Type 2 diabetics may also be prescribed
diabetic medication if regular exercise and a healthy diet by itself does not reduce blood sugar levels.

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 Accu-Chek Diabetes Products

ACCU-CHEK Advantage	ACCU-CHEK Go	ACCU-CHEK Integra
- Large Clear Screen.  - Big, easy to read numbers.  - Handy screen prompts.  - Test strips have unique comfort    curve design for easy blood    application.  - One of the largest test    memories of any meter on the    Australian market.  - Test result markers.  - Accurate test results in 26    seconds.  - Unique hypo warning function.  - Calculates 7, 14 and 30 day    averages.	- Fast test results in just 5    seconds.  - Accurate testing with only    tiny 1.5pL blood sample.  - Capillary fill function for fast,    easy blood application.  - Sleek, discreet and    lightweight design makes it    ideal to carry in your pocket.  - Meter set-up is easy and    quick.  - Target range indicator -    helps patients avoid hypos    and hypers.  - Alarm clock function -    reminds you to test.  - Test strip ejection function    for hygienic handling.  - Expired strip warning.  - 300 test memory with with    time and date for handy    blood glucose level    tracking.  - Meter does not start testing    until sufficient blood is    applied.  - Test results can be    downloaded to your PC for    analysis.	- No test strip handling - 17    preloaded test strips.  - Fast, simple blood    application with capillary fill    technology.  - Tiny sample of blood - only    1.5pL required.  - Accurate blood glucose level    analysis in 15 seconds.  - Large, east to read dislpay.  - One multi-functional button    for easy use.  - AST capability - alternative    test sites*.  - 100 value memory which    stores results with date and    time tested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase these products from your nearest  API pharmacy... Click here to find one.

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© Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Limited 2006
Produced by API, 11 Grand Avenue, Camellia NSW 2142 ABN 57 000 004 320

Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made and all reasonable care taken to ensure the accuracy of the
information contained in this booklet, to the extent permitted by API, their agents and employees:
a.    will not be held liable or responsible in any way; and
b.    expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any loss (including, without limitation, any
       injury, claim, suit, damage, cost and expense) arising out of or incurred in connection with any
       reliance on the contents of this booklet by any person and irrespective of whether such loss
       arises out of API’s negligence or otherwise.

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