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Diabetes Management

Simplify diabetes management with Discount Drug Stores

In recent years, diabetes has become increasingly prevalent across Australia, impacting individuals of all ages and backgrounds.1 This chronic condition occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin or when the insulin produced is ineffective.2 Currently, nearly 1.9 million Australians live with diabetes, with over 300 new cases diagnosed daily.1

What are the main types of diabetes?

There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks pancreatic cells, leading to a lack of insulin production. 

  • Treatment: Requires ongoing insulin therapy either through injections or a pump. 
  • Risk factors: While the exact cause is unknown, genetics play a significant role. 
  • Symptoms: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, feeling tired or lethargic, increased hunger, slow healing cuts, itching, skin infections, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, mood swings, headaches, feeling dizzy, leg cramps.3

Type 2 diabetes develops when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin it produces is ineffective.  

  • Treatment: Managed through regular physical activity, healthy eating, and weight management. It can be progressive – many people will require oral and/or injected medications alongside lifestyle changes. 
  • Risk factors: Age, family history, ethnicity and lifestyle factors (unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity etc.) can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. 
  • Symptoms: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, feeling tired or lethargic, increased hunger, slow healing cuts, itching, skin infections, blurred vision, gradual weight gain/loss, mood swings, headaches, feeling dizzy, leg cramps.4

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. 

  • Treatment: Managed with diet and exercise, however, some people may require medication and/or insulin injections. 
  • Risk factors: Like type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes is influenced by age, family history, ethnicity and lifestyle factors (unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, weight etc.). 
  • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but may include increased thirst, excessive urination, tiredness and thrush (yeast infections).5

Pregnant young woman injecting insulin with insulin pen

Diabetes Management

How do I manage diabetes? 

  • Eating regular, healthy meals and avoiding high-fat, sugary or salty foods. 
  • Engaging in moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes most days. 
  • Maintaining a healthy body weight. 
  • Limiting alcohol consumption. 
  • Don’t smoke – it can increase the risk of diabetic complications. 
  • Follow the use and care instructions for your blood glucose monitor and measure your blood glucose levels as advised. 
  • Regularly monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, eye and kidney health. 

Speak to our pharmacists

 

Have you recently received a diabetes diagnosis? 

Receiving a diabetes diagnosis can trigger a range of emotions, but it’s essential to remember that support is always available. Lean on friends and family for emotional support and consult your healthcare professionals, like your Discount Drug Stores pharmacist, for advice on living with and managing diabetes. 

The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), managed by Diabetes Australia, provides subsidised diabetes-related products and resources, to assist in effective diabetes management. 

 Find out more

 

How can Discount Drug Stores help you?  

There are a range of ways your Discount Drug Stores pharmacist can help: 

Blood Glucose Checks 

Blood glucose checks can help to identify if your blood glucose is outside the expected range and can be used to understand symptoms, and the effect of medication.

Your Discount Drug Stores pharmacist can complete a blood glucose check in-store and provide advice and referrals for further checks. Some Discount Drug Stores may also offer HbA1c checks, which provide insight into your overall blood glucose levels for the past three months.

We also provide blood glucose monitors, lancing devices, lancets and test strips. We can help you choose the best product for you and show how to test accurately and comfortably.6

Diabetes Management

NDSS Access Point 

Discount Drug Stores are NDSS Access Points meaning we stock and sell NDSS subsidised products. Please note that to access products through the scheme, you must first register with the NDSS.7 

Supply and advice for diabetes medications 

We carry a wide range of prescription diabetes medicines and are happy to order in and keep your regular medicines in stock. We also range over-the-counter and complementary medicines suitable for people living with diabetes to help manage blood glucose levels. Our friendly Discount Drug Stores pharmacists are always happy to provide health information and advice on managing your medications and diabetes. 

Medication Review 

For a more comprehensive discussion around managing your diabetes and your medications, ask your Discount Drug Stores pharmacist for a Medication Review. Conducted in our private consultation room, our pharmacist will run through your medications,  including their purpose, the most effective way to use them, and how to store them. You’ll also discuss blood glucose monitoring and lifestyle advice that will help you to live well with diabetes. 

Discount Drug Stores App 

The Discount Drug Stores app offers a range of benefits to help you manage your diabetes medicines. Keep a record of both paper and electronic prescriptions including when they are next due to be dispensed and how many repeats you have remaining. You can choose to order ahead, pay-in-advance and request home delivery where available. These features also extend to your NDSS items.  

Download the App

References:

    1. National Diabetes Services Scheme: https://www.ndss.com.au/about-diabetes/ 
    2. Diabetes Australia:https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/diabetes-in-australia/ 
    3. Diabetes Australia: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/type-1-diabetes/ 
    4. Diabetes Australia:https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/type-2-diabetes/ 
    5. Diabetes Australia:https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/gestational-diabetes/ 
    6. Diabetes Australia: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-monitoring/
    7. National Diabetes Services Scheme: https://www.ndss.com.au/products/access-points/