On the 14th of November each year, the world unites to celebrate World Diabetes Day, honouring the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, whose pioneering work in the discovery of insulin has fuelled the fight against diabetes – a battle we continue to wage with hope and determination.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that arises when the body fails to produce enough insulin, a hormone pivotal in regulating blood sugar levels, or the cells respond inadequately to insulin. It is distinguished by its principal forms: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that destroys insulin-producing cells. In contrast, type 2 diabetes, which is more common, develops over time as the body grows resistant to insulin or does not produce sufficient amounts.
Diabetes, whilst being a severe affliction that can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, renal failure, and vision loss, can be managed effectively, allowing individuals to lead long and healthy lives.
Research by the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD) reveals that 80% of Australians living with diabetes encounter discrimination daily, regardless of whether they have type 1 or type 2. Discriminated individuals often conceal their condition, forgo seeking support, and become disinterested in managing and understanding their condition, with some experiencing adverse impacts on their mental and emotional well-being due to their condition's stigma. Diabetes is amongst the most rapidly increasing metabolic diseases in Australia, with an average of 282 new diagnoses each day. In Western Australia, around 128,000 individuals are living with diabetes. The focus for World Diabetes Day 2023 is "Access to Diabetes Care," underscoring the importance of universal care for individuals with diabetes, irrespective of financial standing or geographical location.
Access to diabetes care encompasses:
– Insulin and other diabetic medications
– Educational resources on diabetes
– Diabetes self-management equipment
Chung Wah Community Care (Chung Wah CC) invites Diabetes WA annually to deliver diabetes education to our seniors at the Balcatta and Willetton Community Hubs. The educators utilise "Feltman," a diabetes education tool, to interactively and succinctly elucidate the connection between diabetes and diet. "Feltman" is a human body model illustrating internal blood vessels, muscles, and critical organs. The educator employs engaging visual aids to demystify how the body processes blood sugar from foods into energy. Typically, the carbohydrates consumed are broken down into glucose, which prompts the pancreas to produce and release insulin into the bloodstream, enabling cells to absorb glucose. The onset of diabetes is marked by insufficient insulin production. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with genetic factors, immune system anomalies, environmental influences, dietary habits, obesity, and sedentariness. The session concludes with a comprehensive overview of diabetes-related complications and information on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
For more information on diabetes, please consult your family doctor or contact the Diabetes WA hotline at 1300 001 880.
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.
