Diabetes As A National Health Priority

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Diabetes as a National Health Priority
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affecting over 4% of Australians, as well as a significant proportion of people whose conditions are undiagnosed (Harrison, Britt, Miller, & Henderson, 2013). As well as this high prevalence, the potential for the large burden of disease associated with diabetes to be reduced through lifestyle changes necessitated its endorsement as a National Health Priority Area (Colagiuri & Ward, 1998). Following this commendation, the government initiative ‘The National Diabetes Services Scheme’ was introduced along with other lifestyle-related campaigns to provide support for sufferers of diabetes and to address the risk factors associated with diabetes (Department of Health, 2013). Physiotherapy also has a role in the prevention and management of diabetes, specifically in creating and implementing exercise programs.
As diabetes mellitus has 3 different forms, the following report will focus primarily on type 2 diabetes as it is the most prevalent, accounting for 85% of cases (Austalian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2013).

Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes has a genetic onset that often occurs in adolescence (Porth, 2005). It is an autoimmune disease in which the insulin-producing beta cells within the liver are destroyed (Dorman, 1993). This causes a deficiency in insulin secretion, which ultimately leads to high blood glucose levels, also referred to as hyperglycemia (Guthrie & Guthrie, 2004). The mechanism for insulin deficiency leading to hyperglycemia is described in more detail in the following section and in Figure 1.

Type 2 Diabetes
The onset of type 2 diabetes involves an interaction of both genetic and environm...

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...revention through awareness and education is achieved via the work of government initiatives such as the National Diabetes Services Scheme and health campaigns including Measure Up. The NDSS also works to improve the self-management of diabetes. Physiotherapists also have a role in the management of diabetes through implementing exercise programs. An evidence-based approach was used to create the proposed exercise program that aimed to manage the high blood glucose levels associated with insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes (Sigal et al., 2007). It utilized both aerobic and resistance training in accordance with current knowledge of the most effective dosages for the population group. Physiotherapists must work alongside other healthcare professionals such as dietitians and general practitioners to provide optimal support and management for patients with diabetes.

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