In the lead-up to World Diabetes Day 2024 (14 November), the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) is urging rural and remote Australians living with diabetes to reach out to their local doctor to ensure they can live well with the condition, which can be a mental and physical rollercoaster.
‘Diabetes is a relentless disease that can challenge you on many levels, particularly when it comes to your physical and mental health,’ said RDAA President, Dr RT Lewandowski.
‘While Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or managed through increased exercise, weight loss and a healthy diet, Type 1 diabetes is a serious auto-immune condition for which there is no cure.
‘Once diagnosed, those with Type 1 diabetes need to go on a regime of daily insulin injections, or insulin therapy via an insulin pump, for the rest of their life – and they also have to manage the high and low blood sugar levels that come with the disease.
‘While most people only need to think about remembering their keys and sunglasses when they leave the house for the day, those with Type 1 diabetes need to ensure they have enough insulin with them as well as numerous other diabetes supplies – including treatment for any low blood sugar levels which, if left unchecked, can be life-threatening.
‘Likewise at night, while many people simply settle down for a good night’s sleep, the possibility for someone with Type 1 diabetes that they might have a low blood sugar episode overnight – and go into a coma – is never far from their mind (or, for a child with diabetes, the minds of their parents).’
New tech helps
‘While new technology like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors is certainly making life easier for those with Type 1 diabetes, it remains a condition that impacts the everyday lives of those with the disease,’ said Dr Lewandowski.
‘Additionally, for those living with Type 2 diabetes, the battle can be real in achieving and maintaining a lower weight, ensuring they continue to eat well (and avoid the temptations of foods that won’t help their condition) and, for some, ultimately having to give themselves insulin injections as well.
‘The relentless 24/7 nature of managing diabetes can have a huge impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of those living with it,’ he said. ‘Rural and remote Australians with any type of diabetes, however, need to know that they are not alone and help is at hand to ensure they can live well.
‘Rural doctors and the wider rural healthcare team are there to assist you with proactively managing your diabetes, keeping you healthy and, importantly, supporting you with the mental health and other challenges that come with the disease,’ said Dr Lewandowski.
‘Please reach out to us for help, as that’s what we are here for!’
