Diabetes and Endocrinology

Advance Treatment and Prevention of Diabetes

• Check your risk of diabetes: Risk assessment test and learn more about your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 12+ score shows that you are at high risk and may be eligible for the Life! Program - a free Victorian lifestyle modification program that helps you reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorder.
• Manage your weight. Excess body fat, particularly if stored in the abdomen, can increase the body’s resistance to the hormone insulin. This can lead to type 2 diabetes.
• Exercise regularly. Moderate physical activity on most days of the week helps manage weight, reduce blood sugar levels, and may also improve blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Eat a balanced, healthy diet. Reduce the amount of fat in the diet, especially saturated and trans fats. Eat more fruit, vegetables, and high-fiber foods. Cut back on salt.
• Limit takeaway and processed foods. ‘Convenience meals’ are usually high in salt, fat and kilojoules. It is best to cook for yourself using fresh ingredients whenever possible.
• Limit your alcohol intake. Too much alcohol can cause weight gain and can increase your blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Men should not have more than two standard drinks a day and women should not have more than one.
• Quit smoking. Smokers are twice as likely to develop diabetes as non-smokers.
• Control your blood pressure. Most people can do this with regular exercise, a balanced diet and by keeping a healthy weight. In some cases, it might need medication prescribed by the doctor.

Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease have many risk factors in common, including obesity and physical inactivity.