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WDD is an annual campaign that has been running on November 14th (the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, insulin founder, alongside Charles Best) since 1991. The campaign aims to provoke conversation about diabetes, as a global health issue.

Diabetes stats

• 1 in 2 adults with diabetes remain undiagnosed (232 million).
• 1 in 6 live births are affected by high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) in pregnancy.
• 1 in 5 people with diabetes are over the age of 65 years.
• Diabetes accounts for 10% of the global spend on healthcare (US$ 760 billion).

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that can affect the entire body. Someone with diabetes cannot maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood. There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 – 10% of diabetes cases are Type 1. It is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Type 1 diabetes has no cure and it is unpreventable.
• Type 2 – 85-90% of diabetes cases are Type 2. The condition is more common in adults over the age of 45 years, and it has genetic and family-related risk factors. Type 2 diabetes develops over several years and can be linked to certain lifestyle factors.
• Gestational diabetes (GDM) – Representing around 10% of cases of diabetes, GDM is the fasting growing type of diabetes in Australia and affects women during pregnancy. Women with a family history of diabetes, or those that are pregnant over the age of 40 are at higher risk.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Symptoms for diabetes can vary from person to person. Type 1 diabetes symptoms may occur suddenly, and can be life-threatening. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand develops over time, and so symptoms can often be misunderstood as signs of ageing.

Symptoms include:

• Hunger
• Constant thirst
• Fatigue
• Urinating more often
• Itchy skin
• Blurred vision
• Unplanned weight loss (Type 1)
• Unplanned weight gain (Type 2)
• Cuts that take longer than usual to heal
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Leg cramps

Untreated diabetes can lead to several complications including heart disease, stroke and organ damage, therefore seeking medical advice from your GP early is critical.

How am I diagnosed with diabetes?

There are several risk factors for diabetes including family history, lifestyle factors, physical stress, and high blood pressure. If you are unsure of your level of risk, speak to your GP.

If you have symptoms or risk factors for diabetes, your GP may advise for you to have a blood test to measure glucose levels.

What happens when I am diagnosed with diabetes?

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be overwhelming. GPs at Our Medical are available to support patients through the process. Once diagnosed, patients may require a physical examination, and a range of other tests including a blood-lipid test for cholesterol.

It is important for patients to have access to the relevant health services which may include a dietitian, physiotherapist, exercise physiotherapist, and podiatrist. At Our Medical, allied health professionals are conveniently available at the medical centre. View a list of our locations with more information here.

How can I support World Diabetes Day?

On the 100th year anniversary of the development of therapeutic insulin, the theme for Diabetes Day is Access to Diabetes Care. 

To support WDD, you may visit their website to see how you can get involved.

Visit your GP

Our Medical reminds patients to speak to their GP if they have any questions or concerns regarding diabetes.

Our locations.