Understanding Diabetes

Beat diabetes with beans!

Australians now have scientific support for one of their favourite foods – fibre-rich beans on (wholegrain) toast. New research shows that whole grains and legumes can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 20-30%.

Australians with diabetes

Just how many Australian's have diabetes?  The number is surprising, if not staggering.

Are you at risk of diabetes?

Just what is diabetes and what are the risk factors.  There are six key risk factors you should not ignore.

Understanding diabetes

To manage diabetes, it helps to understand how it affects your body. In healthy people, the body turns food into glucose (blood sugar) to use for energy. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is the hormone responsible for shuttling glucose into the body's cells where it is either used right away or stored for later use.

Wholegrains each day keeps diabetes away

Now here's the really exciting part…many people notice a reduction in weight and centimetres, as their body's water store.

Diabetes and insulin

Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not manufacture sufficient amounts of insulin or does not properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that is necessary for the transport of sugar from the blood stream into the cells for use as energy.

Diabetes management 

Do you or someone you care about have diabetes? This common disease is usually progressive over several years' time, and it can create many kinds of health problems for those who have it. If you suspect you have symptoms of a diabetic nature, make a list of their type and frequency and let your doctor know right away. Symptoms may include increased thirst and urination, fatigue, and weight loss, among others.

The 3 different types of diabetes

The three main kinds of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Pregnancy and diabetes

You are 28 weeks pregnant. Your health care provider has just told you that you have gestational diabetes. Should you be concerned about gestational diabetes?

Preventing Type 2 diabetes

Research has demonstrated that people at risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay developing type 2 diabetes by losing a little weight.

Test your diabetes knowledge

What is type 1 diabetes?  What are the symptoms of diabetes? Test your knowledge.