Understanding diabetes-related complications
People with diabetes are at high risk of developing diabetes-related complications, which in turn are significant factors contributing to morbidity and mortality in Australia.1
Diabetes-related complications are associated with increased costs, which are linked to the treatment and management of diabetes.2
Credentialled diabetes educator and registered nurse Carolien Koreneff explains.
Why knowing about diabetes complications matters
Diabetes is a significant health concern in Australia, affecting millions of people. As Diabetes Australia’s State of the Nation report reveals, an unrelenting diabetes epidemic is unfolding nationally, with alarming rates of diagnosis in young people in particular.3
According to Diabetes Australia’s 2023 Snapshot: Diabetes in Australia report, there are now more than 1.5 million Australians (about 5.6% of the population) living with all types of diagnosed diabetes and registered with the NDSS. The number of people living with type 2 diabetes tripled in Australia between 1990 and 2019.4
Over the past decade, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes between the ages of 21–39 has increased by 44%, while diagnoses before the age of 20 have risen by 17%. As more people are being diagnosed with diabetes earlier in their lives, this ultimately means that more Australians are living longer with the condition and are at greater risk of developing complications.
At the same time, Australia’s population is ageing. By 2050, nearly a quarter of Australians will be over 65, and the number of those over 85 will double. This demographic shift, coupled with rising diabetes rates, foreshadows a significant increase in the number of older Australians living with diabetes, and diabetes complications.3
Diabetes-related complications are common and can be categorised into:
- Microvascular complications: Affecting small blood vessels, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
- Macrovascular complications: Affecting larger blood vessels, leading to conditions like heart disease and stroke.
- There is a complex bi-directional relationship between diabetes and some mental health conditions.
- Other complications: Including foot ulcers and amputations, 85% of which are preventable with proper care.4
Understanding the complications relating to diabetes is crucial for healthcare professionals who are on the front lines of client care, in particular for nurses. By providing early screening for complications, timely intervention can be provided and this significantly reduces the risk of severe outcomes.
How complications affect clients and the healthcare system
As mentioned above, people with diabetes are at high risk of developing complications; this can severely impact their quality of life and place a substantial burden on the healthcare system.
In the years ahead, we will see a growing number of people developing diabetes, as well as increases in the impact of diabetes-related complications and the costs associated with supporting people with diabetes. It is estimated that nationally diabetes costs the healthcare system $3.4 billion every year.5
Diabetes can affect all systems in the body. However, the complications are often misunderstood and may therefore not be attributed to diabetes. As a result, the severity of this condition is often underestimated.
Complications arising from diabetes represent some of the condition’s most physically debilitating and financially burdensome consequences. It was estimated that in 2021-22 over 1.2 million hospitalisations were attributed to diabetes.5
The words used to talk about diabetes also affect the physical and emotional health of people living with diabetes. People living with diabetes and their families deserve communications that are accurate, respectful, inclusive, and free from judgement and bias.6 In the Heads Up report 35% of people were found to have felt ‘blamed’ by healthcare professionals for developing diabetes or not managing their condition well enough if they experienced complications.7
Many diabetes-related complications are preventable or can be substantially delayed if identified early, when medical interventions are most effective. Investing in timely diagnosis and treatment can not only improve the health outcomes for individuals but also bring about substantial cost savings in healthcare expenditure.
Which groups are most affected?
The risk of developing type 2 and gestational diabetes is higher in certain demographic groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
The rate of preventable hospitalisations for complications associated with type 2 diabetes is 5.2 times higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared to other Australians.8
The prevalence of diabetes is higher in some CALD communities in Australia compared to the Australian-born population, particularly for people originating from the Pacific Islands, Middle East, South Asia and Africa.9
People living in rural and remote areas of Australia are at a higher risk of developing diabetes and experiencing associated complications. They are 1.3 times as likely to be living with diabetes compared to people residing in major cities.5
Hence it is essential that healthcare professionals across the country educate themselves on diabetes management and complications, so they can provide the best care and support to their clients.
Why should I enrol in the Diabetes in Practice for Nurses: Chronic complications and prevention course?
Diabetes Qualified is the training arm of Diabetes Australia. Our team of experienced health professionals, who work with people living with diabetes every day, have developed meaningful, engaging and practical online education. Our mission is to improve the lives of people living with diabetes, so they can live a life without the complication or complications of diabetes. Diabetes education for health professionals is at the heart of what we do.
Once you have completed this short, practical course, you will:
- Receive a CPD certificate endorsed by the APNA, increasing your professional credibility.
- Gain knowledge based on national guidelines and practical case studies, enabling you to care for your patients living with diabetes confidently.
- Develop best-practice communication strategies to build trust and rapport with your patients, facilitating and supporting positive behaviour change.
Don’t wait to enhance your skills and knowledge. Enrol in the Diabetes in Practice for Nurses: Chronic Complications and Prevention course today!
Click here to enrol now!
References:
- Australian Institute and Health and Welfare Diabetes: Australian Facts, last updated 17 June 2024, accessed 28 June 2024. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes/contents/impact-of-diabetes/diabetes-related-complications
- The cost of diabetes in adults in Australia. Lee et al, Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2013. https://www.diabetesresearchclinicalpractice.com/article/S0168-8227(12)00500-1/abstract, accessed 28 June 2024.
- State of the Nation Report https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/State-of-the-Nation-2024-Diabetes-Australia.pdf, accessed 5 July 2024
- Islam SMS, Siopis G, Sood S, Uddin R, Tegene T, Porter J, et al. The Burden of Type 2 Diabetes in Australia During the Period 1990-2019: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study. Rochester, NY; 2022. doi:10.2139/ssrn.4243704
- Diabetes: Australian facts, Summary. In: AIHW Diabetes Australian Facts. Available: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes/contents/summary, accessed 17 Jun 2024.
- Language matters, position statement 2021. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Language-Matters-2021-Diabetes-Australia-Position-Statement-1.pdf
- Speight J, Holmes-Truscott E, Scibilia R, Black T. Diabetes: Stigma, blame and shame. Canberra: Diabetes Australia
- Disparities in potentially preventable hospitalisations across Australia, 2012-13 to 2017-18. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; 2020 p. 105. Available: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/20bc5bf9-d46c-40a7-96c1-d632a1d448bc/aihw-hpf50.pdf?v=20230605173952&inline=true
- Chronic health conditions among culturally and linguistically diverse Australians, 2021. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; 2023 Feb p. 26. Available: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/populationgroups/cald-australians/overview