Diabetes is a disease in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because the body does not respond to the insulin properly. According to Diabetes Australia, over 1.7 million Australians who suffer from diabetes remain undiagnosed (2011).

There are several different types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes: Results from the body’s reduced ability to produce insulin to meet the body’s needs and requires treatment with insulin.

Type 2 diabetes: Results when the body’s cells fail to respond properly to insulin produced in the body. An unhealthy lifestyle can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes: Results in pregnant women when their blood glucose levels are high during the pregnancy and who have never had diabetes before. This increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a later date.

The National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS)

The National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) is administered by Diabetes Australia. The scheme provides a range of subsidized syringes, insulin pen needles as well as blood glucose and urine testing reagents for diabetics.

For further information regarding diabetes please visit the Diabetes Australia website at www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

Updating...