We’ve all had a tough time lately, but now it’s time we got back on track with our diabetes.
Let’s all:
Chris Lee, Diabetes Australia’s Manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement, says getting back on track with your visits to your health service is the best way to make sure your diabetes is being managed well.
“It’s fine if you haven’t been for a while,” says Chris. “The important thing is to go and have a yarn, and check that everything’s okay with your diabetes.”
“So stay connected with your local GP or health care worker, make sure you go for your regular appointments, and don’t wait to get medical help if you need it at any time.”
Getting back on track with your diabetes also means getting back into a more regular routine of checking your blood sugar and taking your medications, as well as trying to eat well and stay active.
“Our lives have all been a bit different lately, but we can all do some simple things to get back into some good habits and look after our diabetes,” says Chris.
“This means checking our blood sugar when we’re supposed to and taking all the medications our diabetes health team has told us to, as well as doing what we can to eat healthy food and be active every day.”
“Having both a healthy body and a healthy mind is important, so take the time to look after yourself.”
It’s also more important than ever to make sure your family and friends are on track with their diabetes.
“Because of everything that’s been going on, some people might feel distracted, anxious or worried,” says Chris. “But we don’t want this to lead to serious health problems because they’re ignoring their diabetes.”
“Staying on track with our diabetes can reduce our risk of problems such as heart attacks, strokes, blindness or kidney failure.”
“So check in with your family and friends, have a yarn, and encourage them to get their diabetes back on track by visiting their local healthcare worker”
Let’s all get our diabetes back on track – for ourselves, and for our mob.
Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.