Another info-packed educational talk was hosted at the Balcatta and Willetton Hub on 16-17 March. Chung Wah Community Care (Chung Wah CC) invited experts from Diabetes WA to present the latest information to our seniors.
Did you know that every eight minutes, an Australian is diagnosed with diabetes! Around 1.3 million people were newly diagnosed with Type II diabetes between 2000 and 2020. This condition can impact seniors significantly, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, lower limb amputation, and more.
The experts explained how diabetes works by utilising the Feltman tool. Feltman is a human model that can be used to describe what happens to glucose in a body of a person who has diabetes. The modelling tool can also help health professionals easily explain diabetes management, including how to prevent complications and reduce the risk. The experts further elaborate on how our body digests food into glucose. In a nutshell, diabetes occurs when the body has difficulty processing the carbohydrates in food because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the insulin produced is ineffective.
Furthermore, the presenters explained the risk factors of Type I and Type II diabetes. It could be due to autoimmune changes or genetic or environmental factors. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, poor diet, little to non-exercise, and being overweight can all contribute to developing diabetes. Therefore, prevention is vital. There's a new method of testing using HbA1c. Diabetes WA experts further explain helpful tips on prevention, management and clinical care.
Chung Wah has been servicing the WA community since 1909, dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, Chung Wah CC has over 35 years of professional care experience helping seniors and people with disability improve their well-being and better integrate into the community. In 2023, we're promoting our theme, Embrace, Elevate & Flourish, and build a better community for all.
