Understanding Diabetes
A diagnosis of diabetes can be overwhelming. It’s a complex condition that may cause worry about its potential impact on your daily life. But remember, you’re not alone. There is a network of support available to aid you in managing diabetes, including your community pharmacy, Health First Pharmacy.
Diabetes is not a single condition but consists of three main types: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. It is characterized by the body’s inability to maintain a healthy level of glucose, a form of sugar, in the blood. Glucose, found in food items like bread, cereals, sweets, fruits, starchy vegetables, legumes, milk, and yoghurt, serves as the body’s primary energy source. Insulin, a hormone, controls the level of glucose in your blood. With diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or none at all, resulting in high blood glucose levels. Untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications like heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, depression, anxiety, blindness, and limb amputation.
How Health First PharmacyCan Assist You
Whether you are recently diagnosed, supporting a loved one with diabetes, or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, Health First Pharmacy is here to help.
DiabetesMedsCheck
Speak to a pharmacist at Health First Pharmacy about your diagnosis. You might be eligible for a Diabetes MedsCheck, an in-pharmacy medicines review tailored to your diabetes management. During a Diabetes MedsCheck, our pharmacist will conduct a personalized consultation, discussing how to maximize the benefits of your medicines, use your blood sugar monitor effectively, and manage your diabetes.
Weight Loss Adviceand Programs
Our pharmacist can also provide advice on weight loss and inform you about pharmacy programs available to assist you in losing weight.
AdditionalDiabetes Services
Health First Pharmacy may also offer a range of supplementary diabetes services such as access to dietitians, diabetes educators, and walking groups.
Remember, while the complications associated with diabetes can be concerning, there are numerous resources available to aid you. Diabetes Australia, the national body for people affected by all types of diabetes and those at risk, is a rich source of information. And of course, Health First Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way.