Hunter Diabetes Newsletter - Mar 2017

Published: Thu, 03/09/17

 
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NEWS UPDATE
MARCH 2017​​​​​​​
 
 
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+ Drive Above 5 | Diabetes Education
A fundamental part of many people’s independence is their ability to drive. When we are driving, it is our responsibility to ensure we do so safely, for ourselves and others on the road. For people with diabetes, a few more checks need to be put in place to ensure every trip is a safe one. Particular attention needs to be paid to hypoglycaemia - having an episode while driving could be lethal for you, your passengers and other drivers.

The most important driving rule for people with diabetes is therefore checking your glucose level before getting behind the wheel. If you are above 5mmol/L, you are okay to drive, but you need to recheck your glucose levels every two hours to ensure your levels have not dropped. Some people who have had diabetes for a long time may have ‘hypo unawareness’ which means they do not experience typical hypoglycaemic symptoms. For these people especially, it is vital to check glucose levels regularly, as it may be the only way of identifying low levels before they become dangerous.

You should also ensure there is a form of quick-acting carbohydrate in your car at all times. Keep a soft drink, a handful of jelly beans or some glucose tablets in your car’s glovebox, or somewhere else easy to access. If, while driving, you suspect you may be having a hypo, pull over safely as soon as possible and turn off your car. Check your glucose levels and take 15 grams of your fast acting carbohydrate to treat. Follow this with a longer acting carbohydrate, such as a piece of fruit or slice of bread. Do not drive again until your symptoms have gone entirely and your glucose level is back about 5 mmol/L. Remember – above 5 to drive!

You must inform the Driving Licence Authority if you have diabetes, and a medical certificate from your diabetes specialist will need to be provided before your licence can be issued. It is also recommended you inform your insurer as failure to disclose may impair any insurance claims. If you have any questions about driving safely with diabetes, please speak with your GP or diabetes specialists.
Driving Guidelines from Diabetes Australia
 
 
 
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+ Type 2? We Want You! | Clinical Trials
We are excited to announce that we have begun recruitment for a new clinical trial at Hunter Diabetes Centre! The FREEDOM-4-OAD Study (or ‘ITCA’) will test the effectiveness of a slow release medication in participants with Type 2 Diabetes who are already taking metformin. It is hoped this medication can help control blood sugar levels without the need for a daily injection.

Our clinical trial team are dedicated to helping improve the lives of those with diabetes by researching treatments like these. For this vital research to go ahead however, we need the generous help of volunteers.

Participating in a clinical trial is neither scary nor difficult. At each visit you meet with and are cared for by our research team. Some participants have found that this regular contact and closer monitoring has actually helped them better understand and manage their diabetes.

Interested in participating? You may be eligible is you are:
  • aged between 18-80
  • have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes for at least 3 months
  • have been taking metformin everyday for at least 3 months
For more information, and with no obligation, please call Clinical Research Coordinator Louretta on (02) 4963 2323 – take option 1, or send us an email.
I'd like to participate or know more
 
 
 
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+ Gluten Free For Me | Dietetics
You would be hard-pressed to find a restaurant or cafe today that does not include ‘gluten free’ options on its menu. While refusing gluten has become somewhat of a ‘diet fad’, it is a serious condition for those with Coeliac disease. Coeliac disease affects about 1 in 70 Australians and is particularly prevalent in people with Type 1 Diabetes.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the lining of a person’s small intestine is damaged due to gluten sensitivity. This results in inflammation and difficulty absorbing necessary nutrients, which often leads to anaemia.

While typical symptoms of Coeliac disease include bloating, cramps, fatigue and sudden weight loss, some people will have few symptoms or be asymptomatic. Studies have found that many patients with Type 1 Diabetes in particular do not present obvious Coeliac symptoms.

Coeliac disease in diabetic patients can affect glycaemic control, leading to long term complications. This makes the screening of at-risk patients, such as those with Type 1 Diabetes and/or a family history of Coeliac disease, even more important. Testing for Coeliac disease involves a blood screening, with a positive result prompting a follow-up small bowel biopsy with a gastroenterologist.

While you may test negative for Coeliac disease, you are still at risk if you have Type 1 Diabetes. Dr Morbey recommends being rescreened every 3-4 years, or presenting to your GP if you begin experiencing Coeliac-like symptoms. Diagnosis is key!
More about Coeliac Disease & Diabetes