November 12, 2009:

Being told you have prediabetes or gestational diabetes (diabetes when pregnant) is not a bad thing according to Professor Helena Teede, research director at the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health. These conditions are a wake-up call – acting now can help delay, or even prevent, the onset of type 2 diabetes in the future.

One in four Australian adults over the age of 25 has either diabetes or a condition known as ‘prediabetes’. Although less well-known, prediabetes is far more common, affecting twice the number of people as diabetes. People with prediabetes have abnormally high blood glucose (sugar) levels; although not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.

“For many people, prediabetes is a stepping stone on their way to full-blown diabetes,” says Prof Teede. “The good news is that in most cases, prediabetes can be prevented and managed through simple lifestyle changes.”

“Losing just five per cent of your body weight,” she says, “reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 60 per cent.”

A prediabetes diagnosis can act as a warning; telling us to make changes and take care of our health before it’s too late. Prof Teede urges Australian women to heed the wake up call. “Get tested if you are at risk as prediabetes has no symptoms,” she says. “Women need to be encouraged to take action to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and to make simple changes such as eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.”

Weight gain in young women is currently a big concern, particularly in women who are planning to start a family. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy puts women at risk of gestational diabetes, which can affect the baby’s size and health later in life. Women who have had gestational diabetes are also ten times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future.¹ 
 
Prof Teede advises anyone who has a family history of diabetes, is overweight, is over 45 years or in a high risk ethnic group, to visit their doctor for a checkup. Those with a history of gestational diabetes or prediabetes, or who think they may be at risk of these conditions, need to be proactive about taking care of their health. “Be aware of the dangers, have regular tests to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels and take steps to reduce your risk by making lifestyle changes and watching your weight,” she says. “Good health is a lifelong journey and it’s never too late to change your path and reap the benefits.”

Saturday 14 November is World Diabetes Day.

-ENDS-

Reference

1. Diabetes Australia, Gestational diabetes fact sheet

Interviews

To interview Prof Helena Teede, please call Aleeza Zohar on (03) 9562 6771 or 0425 758 729