National Diabetes Week runs from 12th until 18th July across the country. This years theme is “Living Out Loud” and encourages people living with the condition and their families to share their wishes for better community understanding.
Across CALHN Sites there are information displays set up encouraging staff, patients, carers and the public to share their lived experiences
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) is a condition where there is too much glucose in a person’s blood. When the body can’t make insulin, enough insulin or the insulin is not used effectively by the body. High glucose levels can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves and this often results in long term health complications.
There are three types of diabetes;
Type 1 – is an autoimmune condition when the body’s own immune system destroys the beta cells which create insulin in the pancreas. This type is not linked to lifestyle factors.
Type 2 – this type is when the body becomes resistant to insulin and often the pancreas loses capacity to produce insulin. Often changes in diet and increased physical activity are enough to slow to condition.
Gestational diabetes – is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. This type is diagnosed when higher than normal levels of glucose appear during pregnancy. Most women with this type no longer have diabetes once the baby is born.
How is Diabetes Tested?
In the 1930s blood sugar colorimeters were used to identify the blood glucose levels of a person with diabetes. It was a multistep process. First the solution would be prepared by mixing the patients blood, distilled water and diluted picric acid (highly explosive). After shaking and then filtering, sodium hydroxide would be added and then heated. As a result, the solution turns red which is measured and compared through an eye piece. Thus giving the percentage of sugar in the patients blood.
A lot has changed since then. Now its a lot quicker and easier to test blood glucose levels. Glucometer’s are small, compact and come with test strips. There is a small pin prick in a patient’s finger. The blood is then dropped onto the end of the strip and then the strip is inserted into the glucometer. The glucometer reads the percentage of glucose in the blood and shows it onto the screen. There is no more chemicals and waiting. [Patients can now have an instant result.
How is it Treated?
Diabetes is often treated through regular testing and management of blood glucose levels to prevent any long term complications and damage. Some cases require lifelong insulin replacement via daily injections. For patients with Type 2 management and treatment rely on changes to diet, weight loss and exercise.
Diabetes House at TQEH
On 23rd March 1982 Diabetes House was opened on Woodville Road as part of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH). It was used to treat patients with diabetes as well as a place to train medical staff in diabetes management. Many patients would be able to treat their condition at home and thus needed somewhere for training and resources.
Diabetes is a condition that can be managed and treated. National Diabetes Week highlights that it is manageable and that there are resources available for patients, families, carers and the wider community.
For any enquiries, or more information, contact the CALHN Diabetes Service on https://www.rah.sa.gov.au/patients-visitors/patient-information/preparing-for-surgery/diabetes-management
Written by Kellie Branson, CALHN Health Museum
