your healthy life
Six million Aussies have diagnosed
high blood pressure. But, the Baker
Institute says “hypertension (where
high blood pressure exists but is not
picked up by clinic measurements)”
was masked in about 1 in 5 people in
a study group; nearly half had high
blood pressure, but only a quarter
were on meds. To manage diabetes
with a healthier heart, see page 112.Tattoo artists are now designing a more permanent tag for clients living
with chronic illnesses, replacing the need for – and worry of losing – a
medical ID. These tattoos are designed in your style, are there forever
and, when located on your wrist, are a quick and easy way to alert
health professionals of your insulin dependency during an emergency.
While it is illegal in most states and territories to tattoo a minor, even
with parental consent, if you are of legal age and are wanting a medical
tattoo, be sure to visit your healthcare team first as high BGLs can
complicate the healing process and can increase your risk of infection.WORDS^ ELLIE^GRIFFITHSPHOTOGRAPHYSUPPLIED^BYTHEROYAL^ EDINBURGHMILITARYTATTOO,^ GETTYIMAGESCheck your
BLOOD PRESSUREGet your
eyes tested
The Macular Foundation
discovered 64 per cent of Aussies
with diabetes were unaware
their eyes could also be affected
by macular diseases (other
than diabetic retinopathy).
Visit mdfoundation.com.au.FOREVER MARKED
Q
&A(^) ASK DR DE
ED
My doctor says it is my
heart he is most worried
about, not just my glucose
levels. Is this true?
Gary says: Your doctor
is acutely aware having
all forms of diabetes can
unfortunately lead to
early onset heart disease,
compared to people without
diabetes. Heart disease and
stroke are four times more
likely with diabetes, but the
important thing is it is not
always inevitable and there
is lots that can be done
to prevent these things
occurring. This is why many
people are often prescribed
cholesterol-lowering and
blood-pressure medications
to help reduce risks. Staying
a healthy weight, and being
physically active your whole
life can only help and, of
course, seek help if you are
smoking, to stop. Keep your
regular appointments with
your GP or specialist and
learn what are the goals
that may make you live
healthier. ■
Dr Gary Deed, general practitioner
Email your questions to:
[email protected]
Post: Diabetic Living, Q&A: Health,
GPO Box 7805, Sydney, NSW 2001.
14 JULY/AUGUST 2019 diabetic living