More than 1.6 million Australians are living with diabetes, but almost a third of these cases could be undiagnosed.
This is not even taking into account an additional two million other Australians who are likely to be at a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Kingaroy Discount Drug Store is calling on Burnett residents to learn how to manage their risk of developing diabetes.
They are working to bring a voice to this often silent condition, encouraging residents to visit their local DDS pharmacy during September for a free diabetes risk assessment screening.
Kingaroy Discount Drug will be offering a comprehensive consultations to customers, providing expert pharmacist advice regarding their potential risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Pharmacist John Traynor said the screenings would not only provide early detection and improve diabetes management, but also may minimize the risk of potential complications.
“Currently, 280 Australians are diagnosed with diabetes every day -that’s one every five minutes -which is why Discount Drug Stores want our customers to be aware of the potential symptoms of diabetes before it impacts their lives,” he said.
“Early detection is key, this can reduce the risks of complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, eye complications and foot and nerve problems.
“By managing the condition early through a healthy diet, lifestyle and potentially medication, it can drastically reduce complications later in life.”
While Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition, it is associated with lifestyle factors including poor diet, insufficient physical activity, and being overweight or obese.
Regular health check-ups and healthier lifestyle choices can often help manage the condition however medication or insulin injections may also be required to control blood sugar levels.
One-on-one sessions with DDS pharmacists include a finger-prick blood glucose test and a blood pressure reading to screen for a range of diabetes-related risk factors. The 15-minute consultation concludes with recommendations including a GP referral where required, as well as a review of medication and lifestyle factors.
Mr Traynor said it was important to offer vital services such as the screening consultations and provide expert recommendations which have a positive flow-on effect for healthcare within the Kingaroy community.
“By offering these risk assessments as a free service through DDS pharmacy, we’re encouraging locals who may not know they are at risk to come in and gain peace of mind,” he said.
Australians over the age of 18 are encouraged to visit their local participating Discount Drug Stores pharmacy during September for a free risk assessment consultation with a fully qualified pharmacist.
