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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are the long-term effects of type 2 diabetes?

    Related Topics
    Endocrinology Type 2 Diabetes
    How can type 2 diabetes damage the body and its organs?
    • 2 answers
    • Claire Kerslake
    • Chris Fonda
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    Claire Kerslake

    Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE), Diabetes Educator

    Claire Kerslake is a Credentialed Diabetes Educator, Registered Nurse and Health Coach based in Deniliquin in country New South Wales. Claire is the founder of … View Profile

    Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes results in a range of complications throughout the body.  These include an increased risk of heart attack and stroke and poor circulation to your feet.  Also type 2 diabetes that isn't controlled can also result in kidney failure, eye complications that can affect your sight and damage to nerves in your body that may result in lowered sensation such as pins and needles or numbness in your feet, for example.

    The take home message however, is that if you keep your blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels and blood pressure to the recommended levels, you can dramatically reduce your risk of these complications. 

    This means working closely with your doctor, and diabetes educator to work out the appropriate levels for you. There is also much that you can do to reduce your risk of complications and live a healthy life. If you are overweight, gradually losing that weight as appropriate can make a big difference to your health.  Similarly exercise is amazing in helping to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, assist with weight loss and generally improve your health.

    There is a lot of support available to help you to stay healthy. Other members of your team to help you include exercise physiologists and podiatrists.  Your doctor can refer you as part of a GP Management Plan and many podiatrists and exercise physiologists will bulk bill with a referral, saving costs.

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    Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    Great response from Claire above, just to add, an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is a crucial member of your support team. APDs work along with your GP, diabetes educator and other allied health professionals to give you the best support.

    APDs are able to provide you with individualised dietary advice and medical nutrition therapy for type 2 diabetes in which is outside of the diabetes educator, GP or other allied health professional's qualifications.

    Just a few of the services/information an APD can provide someone with diabetes includes:

    • Weight management (a 5-10% of weight loss can significantly improve blood glucose levels and insulin response)
    • Carbohydrate counting/ exchanges (helping the client to determine how much carbohydrates are required for each meal and snacks)
    • Practical information about the glycemic index and how it affects blood sugar levels
    • the carbohydrate and insulin relationship
    • and much more!
    To find an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) who specialises in diabetes, head to www.daa.asn.au

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