Diabetes
Australia is in the throes of an unprecedented epidemic of diabetes and obesity. A study found that a million Australians are affected by diabetes (1), which is not surprising since obese Australians make up 60% of the total population (2). Even more alarming is the fact that 25% of Australian children are currently overweight or obese, a huge jump from 5% in the 1960s (2).
Australia's expanding obesity epidemic has long-term and serious medical implications for millions of overweight people around the nation. Which is why adequate trauma insurance is so important.
People who are obese - considered to be anyone whose body weight is 20 percent or more above their ideal weight based upon height, age, gender and build, or who has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 and above - face increased risks of suffering becoming diabetic (as well as heart attacks, certain cancers and stroke) (2). Trauma insurance can help with the financial burden should you be diagnosed with a medical event as outlined in a product disclosure statement (PDS).
Diabetes is a serious health condition that currently has no cure
If left untreated, diabetes may lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation. When diagnosed in its early stages and managed well, the risk of serious health problems may be greatly reduced. 275 Australians develop diabetes every day (3).
Some alarming statistics on diabetes in Australia
In mid 2008, Diabetes Australia revealed startling research findings suggesting that one in 3 Australians living with diabetes will be dead by 2018 (3). The number of Australians developing type 2 diabetes is growing at devastating rates. We have the equivalent of an MCG full of people each year developing type 2 diabetes. Most cases may be prevented if people make the right choices with their diet and exercise. The CEO of Diabetes Australia, Mr O'Brien stated that "the epidemic of type 2 diabetes requires a response from every Australian. People must understand that if they don't maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, they are increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and all the associated complications such as kidney failure, stroke and heart attack."
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
TYPE 1 Diabetes - This type of diabetes occurs when the immune system damages the pancreas which prevents it from producing insulin. Type 1 diabetes represents 10-15% of all cases and is the one of the most chronic childhood diseases.
Typically, onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious. They can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue, muscle cramps, blurred vision, skin infections and some tingling or numbness in the feet.
TYPE 2 Diabetes - Occurs when the pancreas is not producing enough insulin and the insulin is not working effectively. It represents 85-95% of all cases of diabetes. This type develops in adults over age 45 but is increasingly occurring at a younger age. It is also more prevalent in people with a family history of type 2 diabetes who are from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms are very similar to type 1, but some people do not experience any symptoms at all and many cases are being discovered by simple screening of blood glucose. Others may suffer a complication such as heart attack. Type 2 may be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks. Eventually, however, tablets and or insulin may be needed.
Dr Bennett, who headed a report's author team for Diabetes: Australian Facts 2002 (4) says that the diabetes epidemic is mostly the result of rises in Type 2 diabetes, which is potentially preventable.
He stated that type 2 diabetes could be potentially preventable because many of the major risk factors were related to lifestyle and could be modified-risk factors such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet. Dr Bennett further stated that just because someone is overweight doesn't mean that they will have diabetes.
How to protect yourself with trauma insurance
Diabetes is not a trivial condition. If you have a family history of diabetes or think you may be at risk of suffering from diabetes speak to your GP or doctor who can give you advice on the best course of action.
You can also further protect yourself by taking out trauma insurance. Some insurers that offer trauma insurance consider diabetes as a vascular disease with impaired glucose tolerance. While uncontrolled glucose level and infection are sometimes major threats, death and disability typically result from progressive cardiovascular disease.
Trauma insurance pays you a lump sum and can make a significant contribution towards the financial survival of your family or business by providing you with cash to use as you see fit. For more information call 1300 135 205 to discuss your options.
Source:
1. The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance: the Australian diabetes, obesity and lifestyle study, Diabetes Care, 2002.
2. The Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society, 2009.3. Diabetes Australia, 2009.
4. AIHW, Diabetes: Australian Facts 2002.
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April 2009
