National Diabetes Week: Raising Awareness and Supporting Care
Every July, Australia observes National Diabetes Week, spotlighting one of the country’s fastest-growing chronic conditions. With over 1.7 million Australians living with diabetes—and one person diagnosed every five minutes—this week is a vital opportunity to raise awareness and promote proactive care.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels. When unmanaged, high blood sugar can lead to complications involving the kidneys, eyes, feet, nerves, and heart.
Managing Diabetes in Residential Care
For those in residential care, diabetes management is a team effort. Your doctor and nursing team monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust your care plan as needed. If you’re feeling unwell, it’s important to notify your care team—illness can cause blood sugar to drop, leading to symptoms like:
- Light-headedness
- Shakiness
- Nausea or vomiting
These signs may indicate a hypoglycaemic episode (a “hypo”), which requires immediate attention.
Regular Health Checks for Diabetes
To stay ahead of complications, regular health checks are essential:
For more information, speak with your GP, nursing team, or visit Diabetes Australia.
National Pain Week: Understanding the Invisible Struggle
From July 22–28, National Pain Week encourages empathy and awareness for those living with chronic pain. Conditions like migraines, arthritis, osteoporosis, and nerve pain can drastically affect quality of life—and often go unseen.
Chronic pain is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression, with sufferers reporting reduced enjoyment of daily activities. Let’s use this week to be more patient, kind, and understanding—not just now, but always.
Learn more at Painaustralia.