TYPE 2 DIABETES

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting 85-90% of all people with diabetes.

Diabetes often runs in families and can be triggered by inactivity or being overweight. Combining an active lifestyle with a healthy diet is the best way to prevent type 2 diabetes.

Common illnesses like influenza, colds, or gastroenteritis can play havoc on a diabetic’s sugar levels. People with diabetes must also be aware of the potential for drug interactions between treatments for minor illness and medicines used to treat their diabetes.

Your pharmacist can advise you on ways to modify your lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing diabetes or better manage it. They can also advise you when to use your medication, how to use it and whether anything interacts or interferes with it.

Some pharmacies are outlets for Diabetes Australia and sell products like blood-glucose testers at subsidised prices. For more information visit

www.askyourpharmacist.com.au