Diabetes mellitus has become one of the most common non-communicable diseases in the world and results in substantial morbidity and mortality, primarily from cardiovascular complications, eye and kidney diseases and limb amputations. Each year 3.8 million deaths globally are attributable to diabetes. In Australia diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease, with the total number of Australians with diabetes and pre-diabetes now estimated at 3.2 million. It is the sixth leading cause of death in Australia.
This program looks at two evidence-based guidelines that address co-morbidity in type 2 diabetes:
Guidelines for the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy and
Evidence based Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease in Type Two Diabetes.
In Australia diabetes is the most common cause of blindness in people under the age of 60 and incidence of blindness is 25 times higher in people with diabetes than in the general population. Everyone with diabetes will eventually develop diabetic retinopathy and overall between 25 and 44% of people with diabetes will have some form of diabetic retinopathy at any point in time. However vision loss or blindness is preventable through early detection and timely treatment. Good control of diabetes and regular eye examinations (at least once every two years) can prevent vision loss.
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the developed world and accounts for approximately 35% to 40% of new cases each year. In Australia diabetes accounts for 32% of all end stage renal disease. Development of renal disease in people with diabetes is slow and persons may not feel unwell for years. However rigorous monitoring of risk factors by GPs and well controlled BGL will assist to lessen the potential renal affects of diabetes.
This program features a filmed case study of a 43 year old man diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when he was 27 and at 38 was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy in his left eye and by 41 was declared legally blind. It outlines his journey.
Produced by the Rural Health Education Foundation
