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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 20 No. 3 1997
The management of type 2 diabetes
This is the most common type of diabetes. It affects almost 4% of Australians, but many people do not know they are affected. The high blood sugar in people with diabetes can cause serious problems such as heart disease and kidney damage.
If you are over 40 years old, you are at risk of diabetes if you :
- are overweight
- have a family history of diabetes
- have high blood pressure
- have high blood fats or cholesterol
- are a woman who had a high blood sugar during pregnancy.
If you think you are at risk of diabetes, discuss with your doctor how to have your blood sugar checked. Most people with type 2 diabetes do not need insulin injections. They can control their diabetes by diet alone or with the help of tablets to lower the blood sugar.
