Know the signs and symptoms of Diabetes

Did you know that there are almost 256,000 Queenslanders living with diabetes?

Diabetes is more widespread than most people know. One in four Australian adults over the age of 25 lives with diabetes or pre-diabetes. This is because we’re not identifying the symptoms in time, which is putting people at risk of serious health issues including blindness, kidney and heart damage, or stroke.

Know the signs and symptoms of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition that attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. It cannot be prevented. It can occur at any age but is most frequently diagnosed in children and young adults. Once the condition has developed, it requires urgent medical treatment and daily insulin.

Symptoms for type 1 can be remembered by the 4Ts:

• Toilet – are you going to the toilet a lot?
• Thirsty – do you have an unquenchable thirst?
• Tired – are you more tired than usual?
• Thinner – have you recently lost a lot of weight?

Type 2 diabetes, known as the ‘silent condition’, is often harder to diagnose because the symptoms may remain mild for years, and people may associate changes in their health with getting older.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Always feeling hungry
• Feeling very tired
• Blurry vision
• Slow healing of cuts and wounds

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes need to be managed daily to reduce the risk of complications. Neither form of the condition can be ignored.

If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms its important be checked for diabetes. The sooner you have a diagnosis the sooner you can learn how to manage your condition to stay healthy.

A community that cares

If you or someone you know has just been diagnosed with diabetes it’s important to connect with people who understand and can offer the care and support you need.

Diabetes Queensland can connect you to a community of over 33,000 members, each with their own personal experience with diabetes. Whether you have just been diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for many years, Diabetes Queensland can help you live your life the way you want to.

To connect to a community that cares call 1800 177 055 or visit diabetesqld.org.au to find out more.