Measure up for health

A SELBY doctor is urging hills people to eat right and exercise regularly to avoid the onset of diabetes.
Doctor Mike Banning of Selby Family Clinic has warned people of the need to check their waist measurements after a recent campaign linked the size of a person’s waist to diabetes.
He said a healthy diet and regular exercise are two key factors in avoiding the onset of the illness.
The waist measurement campaign was held during National Diabetes Awareness Week from Sunday, 8 July to Saturday, 14 July.
Eastern Ranges GP Association chairwoman Doctor Barbara Inness said the campaign was as essential way to send a message to people that carrying excess weight around the waist was a major contributing factor in the onset of type two diabetes.
“Men who have a measurement over 100cm and women over 90cm need to be aware that they are in the high risk category,” she said.
Jill and Barry Connor of Belgrave both have type two diabetes and say it’s vitally important to have a good diet and get plenty of exercise.
Mr Connor was diagnosed last year but said he never suspected he had diabetes.
“I came to the doctor for something else and though the test would be a waste of time,” he said.
Mr Connor said he was shocked when the diagnosis returned with a positive reading of type two diabetes.
“I was convinced I didn’t have it because I had none of the usual symptoms,” he said.
But Mr Connor said being diagnosed with diabetes could be controlled easily with diet and exercise.
Dr Banning said it was vital for people over the age of 50, those with a family history of the illness, and for young overweight people to be checked regularly for the onset of diabetes.
He said a big problem with the diagnosis of diabetes was that the symptoms are often mistaken for other problems such as heart disease. Dr Banning said one of the symptoms is tiredness, which many people can put down to being overworked.
He said it is important for people to have a check-up at their local GP even if they think they are just overtired. Dr Banning said it might end up being nothing but it was better to be safe than sorry.
He said some symptoms to watch out for include an increase in thirst, weight loss and fatigue.
Dr Banning urges people to have a 12-month check-up at their GP to make sure they to not have undiagnosed diabetes.
He said once diagnosed, diabetes can be managed simply with a good diet and exercise regime.
The Selby Family Clinic also runs a diabetes clinic every second Thursday with a doctor, diabetes educator, and podiatrist on site to help answer any questions.
People who are concerned about diabetes should talk to their GP or can call Selby Family Clinic on 9754 3999 to find out more about its diabetes clinic.