Blood Sugar- Free Checks
Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to automatically regulate blood glucose levels, resulting in too much glucose (a sugar) in the blood.
Over time, high blood glucose levels may damage blood vessels and nerves. These complications of diabetes can cause damage to eyes, nerves and kidneys and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, impotence and foot problems. This damage can happen before an individual knows if they have diabetes if diabetes is undetected for a long time.
Studies have shown that if blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and blood pressure are kept within normal limits, the risk of damage to the body is reduced. Therefore, it is important to know if you have diabetes.
The symptoms of diabetes include:
- Thirst
- Frequent urination
- Tiredness or lack of energy
- Blurred vision
- Infections (eg. Thrush)
- Weight loss (in type 1 diabetes)
However, the symptoms of diabetes may not appear until blood glucose levels are above approximately 15mmol/l or higher. So, it is commom to have diabetes without knowing about it.
In Australia, one adult in twelve has diabetes and the prevalence is increasing. Research has shown that for every person with known diabetes, there is another who has it but has not yet been diagnosed.
Our reference and for more information: http://www.diabetes.com.au
Staff are encouraged to come into the Health Service and see the Nurse for a free blood glucose test. Service available on:
Wednesdays 9.00AM-1.00PM
Ground Floor, 138 Cardigan Street Carlton (Health and Counselling Building)
Please ring to make and appointment on 8344 6904/5