Like many people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, John Leith knew virtually nothing about the condition – the risk factors, the symptoms or long-term health impacts of the disease.
Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive condition, so many people don’t display any noticeable symptoms. Another factor delaying diagnosis is that the tell-tale signs such as fatigue, being thirsty, dizziness or gradual weight gain are easily ignored or dismissed as a normal sign of ageing, stress or lifestyle choices. This is what makes a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes all the more shocking for someone in the prime of their life.
Type 2 Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia, eclipsing other chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Currently, around 1.2 million people are affected with Type 2 Diabetes in Australia, with an estimated 500,000 more people are undiagnosed. 280 people are diagnosed every day; one person every five minutes. (Source: Diabetes Australia)
July 14-20 is Diabetes Awareness Week. It’s a timely reminder to get checked for diabetes, especially if you have a family history or are over 40. Don’t put it off, because early detection means time will be on your side.
So, what is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition in which there is too much glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage the body's organs and lead to a myriad of complications including damage to large and small blood vessels which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and problems with the kidneys, eyes, gums, feet and nerves.
Experts don’t know what causes Type 2 Diabetes, but it is associated with risk factors such as obesity, which can be prevented with diet and lifestyle changes. Type 2 Diabetes also has strong genetic and family-related risk factors.
Type 2 Diabetes usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but is increasingly occurring in younger age groups including children, adolescents and young adults
If you’re over 40, it’s about time to get checked for diabetes. Getting checked and diagnosed early can prevent a range of complications, including stroke, heart disease, blindness and foot amputations.
Why do I need to get checked for diabetes?
For some sufferers, the early symptoms are not significant and easily ignored. This doesn’t mean diabetes isn’t a serious concern or that you should wait for it to get worse before you do something. Poorly-managed Type 2 Diabetes is a killer. It can lead to many severe complications such as a heart attack, stroke, vision problems or a diabetic foot ulcer and amputation. If you think these won’t happen to you, consider the stats:
- People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes
- Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Australia
- Kidney failure is three times more common in people with diabetes
- Amputations are 15 times more common in people with diabetes
- More than 30 per cent of people with diabetes experience depression, anxiety and distress
Early diagnosis, optimal treatment and effective ongoing support and management reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. The other good news is it can be managed with lifestyle, diet and exercise changes.
Medicine or Myth clinical trial of Hemp Oz Kombucha revealed excellent results for people with type 2 diabetes
Did you watch SBS Medicine or Myth? John Leith’s Hemp Oz Kombucha recipe was put to the test by average Australians with Type 2 Diabetes. The results of the clinical trial were very promising.
After drinking Hemp Kombucha every day for one week,
- 75 per cent of participants reported improvement in their fasting blood sugar levels
- 5mmol/L fasting blood sugar level improvement, which could be significant enough to normalise a patient’s blood sugar levels below diabetic and pre-diabetic levels
- One in three participants (31%) found drinking John’s Hemp Kombucha resolved their diabetes symptoms completely.
Hemp Oz Kombucha is now available in bottles and DIY Kombucha making kits. It is also available in 300 stockists including Flannery’s Wholefood.
Note: This information is general and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your doctor to find out if Hemp Oz Kombucha is suitable for you.
