Time For Us To Understand Diabetes
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious chronic condition that can affect the entire body. According to the National Health Survey 2017-2018, 1.2 million people are affected by Diabetes in Australia. Approximately one in six Australians over the age of 25 have prediabetes.
Diabetes requires daily self-care and can have a significant impact on the quality of life and reduce life expectancy. There is no current cure for diabetes but you can minimise impacts on your quality of life through early diagnosis and effective treatment.
There are 3 Main Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes – is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system is activated to destroy cells in the pancreas, resulting in decreased insulin production. Type 1 diabetes is not linked to modifiable lifestyle factors, there is no cure and it cannot be prevented. This tends to be diagnosed during childhood.
- Type 2 Diabetes – is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to normal effects of insulin. The pancreas gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors.
- Gestational diabetes – it is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear during pregnancy. This is the fastest growing type of diabetes in Australia. All pregnant women should be screened for gestational diabetes.

If you have any of these symptoms do not hesitate to ask your GP by simply booking an appointment using the link below
Prevention
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.
People at risk of type 2 diabetes can delay or even prevent the condition by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular physical activity
- Making healthy food choices
- Managing blood pressure
- Managing cholesterol levels
- Not smoking.
Early diabetes often has no symptoms; therefore, screening is vital. Your GP can organise a diabetes risk assessment. Everyone over the age of 40 should be having a diabetes risk assessment at least every 3 years. Your GP will take a medical history and physical examination and may recommend a fasting blood test. Some people should have screening earlier in life or more often, your GP can advise if you fall in to a higher risk category.
If diabetes, or pre-diabetes, is diagnosed, a dietitian and an exercise program are invaluable tools in diabetes management.
Have you met your local NUVO Health clinic in-house Dietitian?
The Lifestyle Dietitian are a team of compassionate Accredited Practising Dietitians here to help you at NUVO Health. They are dedicated to supporting you in managing your health conditions through food and nutrition. Each of our Dietitians work across a range of health areas (including Type 2 Diabetes, insulin resistance, heart disease, weight management, PCOS, gastrointestinal conditions and hypertension) and recognise that patients are all unique with their own health goals and challenges. They are dedicated to understanding your individual circumstances and empowering you to make sustainable health behaviour and lifestyle change.
If you would benefit from individualised dietary advice and support from an Accredited Practising Dietitian, book an appointment with one of the Dietitians from The Lifestyle Dietitian online or in-house at your local NUVO Health clinic. If you have private health insurance cover or a Medicare plan you may be eligible for rebates on your appointment.
For a limited time, the team at The Lifestyle Dietitian are offering $50 off for your first appointment.

RECIPE:
Are you looking for a simple diabetes-friendly recipe that isn’t just nutritious but also delicious? The team at The Lifestyle Dietitian have put together an easy recipe to help manage your blood sugar levels whilst still enjoying a satisfying meal.
Healthy Burrito Bowl

This Mexican-inspired recipe is packed with legumes, corn and basmati rice which are low GI carbohydrates that break down slowly and prevent spikes in your blood sugar. This recipe also includes tinned beans and vegetables which are not only incredibly nutritious but also very cost effective and a great way to save money when shopping on a budget or the cost of fresh produce is high.
With plenty of flavour, zest and spice, this recipe will soon become a family favourite for “Friday Fiesta” nights at home!
Ingredients: (Serves 6)
- 500g extra lean beef or pork mince
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1x 400g can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1x 400g can corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 red capsicum, chopped
- 2 fresh tomato, chopped
- ½ bunch fresh coriander, chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 avocado
- 1x lime
- Basmati rice, to serve
- Chilli flakes (optional)
Method:
- Cook the rice according to the instructions on the packet and set aside.
- Heat a large fry pan over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and cook mince for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the paprika and garlic powder and continue cooking until golden brown. Add the black beans and stir for a further 1 to 2 minutes until heated.
- Heat a second large frying pan. Add 1 tbsp olive oil with the red onion, capsicum and corn. Cook until slightly charred.
- Make the guacamole in a separate bowl by smashing the avocado with the juice of half of the lime. Mix in chilli flakes if using.
- To assemble, arrange the rice, vegetables and meat and bean mixture in individual bowls (see image). Top with fresh tomato, coriander and guacamole. Slice the remaining lime into wedges and add to the bowls. Enjoy!
After more tips for controlling blood sugar levels through good food? Learn these simple swaps when cooking or try a new Dietitian-approved healthy snack this week. Click here to read more articles and recipes written by our team of Accredited Practising Dietitians from The Lifestyle Dietitian
Kind Regards,
The team at Randwick Doctors Medical Centre
Sources:
https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey-first-results/latest-release