Diabetes (AusDiab Report 2005)
- Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterised by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. The chronic hyperglycaemia of diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction and failure of virtually every body organ, especially the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes - also known as insulin-dependent diabetes melitus or juvenile diabetes.
- Is autoimmune disease whereby the pancreatic beta cells (the cells that produce insulin) are destroyed by mistake.
- Insulin injections are required for survival.
- Accounts for approximately 10% of all persons with diabetes in Australia.
- Can occur at any age, although usually before 40 years. You can find more information here
Find out what the DRF is doing to stop type 1 diabetes in its tracks here.
Type 2 diabetes - also known as late onset diabetes
- Characterised by insulin resistance and/ or abnormal insulin secretion.
- Is the most common form of diabetes accounting for more than 85% of persons with diabetes in Australia.
- Has a strong genetic (familial) propensity.
- Unmasked by lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of exercise.
- In most instances the cause is not yet known. You can find more information here
Find out what the DRF is doing to stop the increase in type 2 diabetes and its complications here.
Gestational diabetes
- Temporary form of diabetes and only occurs during pregnancy.
- Pregnancy hormones may prevent insulin from working properly.
- Higher blood glucose levels are detected during routine screening.
- The body is unable to produce enough insulin necessary during pregnancy.
- Careful management and treatment is required during pregnancy.
- Approximately 5% of pregnant women develop diabetes.
Interesting facts about diabetes in Australia as per the AIHW Report - Diabetes Facts 2008
- 700,000 Australians had diagnosed diabetes in 2004-05
- For every diagnosed case there is one undiagnosed case
- 275 Australians develop diabetes every day.
- It is estimated that by 2025 more than 3.3 million Australians will have developed diabetes and 380 million people worldwide will have diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases in developed nations.
- Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage and birth defects
Specific statistics regarding diabetes in WA are available here
The DRF is doing everything possible to find a cure for diabetes and to reduce the risk of complications developing. We need your help to continue to fund research into projects like; preventing blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage ultimately finding a cure. Please visit our donation page and select an option that suits you best.
For further information please contact Sherl Westlund via email or phone 08 9224 1006. |
