THIS week is National Diabetes Week and the focus is around those who are living with diabetes and their mental and emotional health.

Another factor that will be considered is the stigma people with diabetes experience. With the disease; both stigma and mood changes are huge factors when managing with the illness.

Health and wellbeing concerns from stigma have been reported in the past 12 months where more than 1 in 5 people with diabetes have reported being mentally unhealthy for more than 14 days in the last 30 days.

This is why stigma needs to be removed which causes people to feel blame and shame.

For 2021, the aim is to raise much-needed awareness in our community through knowledge for those that are unaware of the struggles that diabetics are faced with in their day-to-day activities.

Every year children and adults are admitted to hospital due to early warning signs of type 1 diabetes being missed. Type 1 diabetes can be fatal for the person if not diagnosed in time.

One way of early detection of signs of type 1 diabetes is learning the 4Ts. The 4Ts consist of noticing changes in your body like unexplained or excessive thirst, tiredness, sudden weight loss, along with going to the toilet a lot more than usual. If you see these signs do not ignore them – visit your doctor.

Diabetes Queensland is an organisation that provides assistance to all types of diabetics.

If you or someone you are living with is diabetic, Diabetes Queensland offers services and provides you guidance to support your diagnosis.

Diabetes Queensland assists all types of diabetics by offering programs, courses, support groups and outreach support to support their diagnosis including support in schools, and one-on-one guidance.

Living with diabetes, and being part of a community of diabetics will improve the impact and understanding of the illness and overall wellbeing of the individual.

The Diabetes Queensland Contact Centre is available to those people seeking support or guidance and can be contacted on 1800 177 055 or by emailing [email protected].

Diabetes Queensland works alongside schools, workplaces, and the broader community to promote education and awareness. The organisation has a calendar of events around the organisation and advocates for education.

Part of government that works with all levels of government in the form of advocacy and policy development includes creating policy around healthy lifestyles in the community.

A program that exists is the Diabetes Queensland Ambassador Program.

This focuses on finding regional spokespeople that will represent the many types of diabetes by telling their stories to help support the awareness and positive mental health outcomes.

The ambassador program supports volunteers, young people and those with the condition as a way of supporting others. This is a platform that supports community outreach projects and is a great opportunity for those wanting to raise their voices in the community.

If you are interested in becoming an ambassador or would like to learn more call 1800 177 055 or [email protected] for more information.

Roborn the Rose