Diabetes. We won’t sugarcoat it.
Type 1. Type 2. Gestational. They affect over 1.7 million Australians. Sugar (and spice) isn’t always nice. At HealthMatch, we’re here for you. Find a clinical trial today.
Diabetes Clinical Trials
One Australian develops diabetes every five minutes. That’s 280 people each day. It’s the fastest-growing chronic condition in Australia. 119,000 Australians live with type 1. 1.3 million live with type 2. Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, is the fastest-growing type in Australia.
It occurs when a person’s body produces too little insulin or none at all. Insulin breaks down glucose – the body’s main source of energy. Without insulin, a healthy level of glucose can’t be maintained, and the body can’t function properly. The complex condition can also affect a person’s quality of life, and even reduce their life expectancy.
Looking for how to help someone with diabetes? At HealthMatch, we’re bringing forward tomorrow’s treatments. We have more than 9 clinical trials available for diabetes, including ones aimed at preventing diabetes progression and SGLT inhibitors that allow glucose to be eliminated through urine.
Indigenous
Australians are 4 times more likely to have diabetes ¹
1 in 7
pregnancies are affected by gestional diabetes ²
1 in 4
adults over the age of 25 lives with diabetes or pre-diabetes ³
Foundation
Diabetes Australia
Diabetes Australia has been supporting people affected by, and at-risk, of all types of diabetes since 1984. They are committed to reducing the conditions impact through leadership, prevention, management and research.
They work in partnership with health professionals, educators, researchers, and healthcare providers to minimise the impact diabetes has on the Australian community.
Diabetes Australia Support Services
Diabetes Australia has numerous services and resources in place to best support people with diabetes. These include practical assistance; information; subsidised products; journals; publications’ training programs and more.
Resources
National Diabetes Services Scheme Helpline
The NDSS Helpline (1800 637 700) is a telephone service. It helps people with the condition, their family members and carers, health professionals, and pharmacies.
Glucose Buddy Diabetes Tracker
The Glucose Buddy app syncs with certain glucose monitoring systems, to help track and maintain blood glucose levels. Users can also track physical activity, food intake and medications.
FAQ
What is diabetes? What are the different types?
Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to maintain a healthy level of glucose in the blood.
Why is glucose important? It’s a form of sugar that acts as our body’s main source of energy. Glucose enters our body when we consume certain foods.
Insulin breaks down glucose, so it can enter the cells. People with the condition produce no insulin or don’t produce sufficient amounts. If glucose doesn’t get broken down by insulin, then it stays in the blood – resulting in high blood glucose levels.
The three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational.
Type 1 is an auto-immune condition. The immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
Type 2 is a progressive condition. The body either becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin, or it gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin in the pancreas.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. It usually occurs around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Symptoms vary depending on type.
In type 1, symptoms may occur suddenly. Symptoms include excessive thirst, slow healing cuts, itching; blurred vision; feeling dizzy; excessive urination, and more.
Many people display no symptoms of type 2. Those that do, experience similar symptoms to type 1. This includes excessive thirst; slow-healing cuts; itching; blurred vision; dizziness; excessive urination, and more. Gradual weight gain is also a symptom of type 2.
Symptoms of gestational diabetes include increased thirst; excessive urination; tiredness; and yeast infections.
How do you treat diabetes?
Each type is treated differently.
Type 1 needs to be closely managed with daily care. This includes insulin injections up to six times a day, or the use of an insulin pump. Blood glucose levels also must be monitored day and night. Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the impact of complications.
With type 2, the condition can be managed through lifestyle modifications and medication. This includes eating well, exercise, and regular blood glucose monitoring tests. People with type 2 are often prescribed tablets to keep their blood glucose levels in the target range.
Regular physical activity and healthy eating are also prescribed for gestational diabetes. Some women may need metformin or insulin injections to manage their condition.
Is there a cure for diabetes?
Type 1 cannot be cured.
There is currently no cure for type 2. But it can be prevented or delayed in up to 58% of cases. This can be done by maintaining a healthy weight, being active and eating healthy.
Gestational diabetes is present only in pregnancy, and most women will no longer have the condition after giving birth.
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a scientific study involving patient or non-patient (healthy) human volunteers. They help determine whether medicines are safe and effective to introduce as new treatments for a particular disease or condition.
How do I select a clinical trial?
HealthMatch matches you to clinical trials, in an easy-to-understand process.
After completing a medical questionnaire, our platform searches for and filters eligible trials for you. You’re able to view matches and apply for trials, on your trial dashboard.
We’ll put you in direct contact with the trial group once you’ve been accepted. We won’t stop searching until we’ve found you the right match.
Find a Diabetes Clinical Trial Today
1 Australian Institue of Health and Welfare, Diabetes
2 3 Diabetes NSW & ACT, What is diabetes