How diabetes changed Corio woman’s life; Deakin research reveals burden in Australia

Corio woman Jax Saunders has detailed the “life changing” effect type 2 diabetes has had on her life, as new research reveals the increased prevalence of the condition.

Jax Saunders, is sharing her story of living with type 2 diabetes, as new research reveals the increase in the prevalence of the disease.

A woman living with type 2 diabetes has explained why the condition has been “life-changing in annoying ways”, as new research reveals the increase in the prevalence of the disease.

Jax Saunders, 63, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in May, 2018.

The Corio resident said she didn’t have any symptoms other than high blood pressure, but her doctor wanted to run additional tests which led to her diagnosis.

“It was really soul crushing,” Ms Saunders said.

“There was none in my family, so I thought I was pretty safe.

Jax Saunders was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2018.

“But I am a heavy girl, so I certainly knew that statistically I was at a bigger risk.”

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where cells don’t respond to insulin properly, and the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin for the body’s increased needs.

Ms Saunders said she was able to manage her diabetes through diet and a low dose of medication.

However, she said the diagnosis had led to a “whole lifestyle change”.

“It’s really life-changing in annoying ways,” she said.

“Everything you eat, you have to think about.

“My biggest challenges are when I’m tired, there’s just nothing quick and easy to fix that’s low-carb.”

Ms Saunders said foods she avoided as a diabetic included rice, potatoes, and pasta.

She said a big factor in managing her condition was pre-planning.

“Long term-wise, some of the biggest challenges are you just get bored,” she said.

It comes as new research revealed the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Australia tripled over the past 30 years, with increasing rates of disease complications.

Research from Deakin University’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) found the total number of people with type 2 diabetes tripled in Australia between 1990 and 2019 – from 379,532 to 1.3m.

The research found while people were less likely to die from type 2 diabetes, the rate of medical complications increased, particularly among men.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Shariful Islam said the findings were of huge concern.

“There is an urgent need to improve the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes in Australia,” Prof Islam said.

Prof Islam said the research aimed to help policymakers, healthcare professionals and the community more broadly reassess the strategies and resources currently in use.

Ms Saunders is the facilitator of a support group through Diabetes Victoria which meets at the Cloverdale Community Centre on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7pm, with the next meeting scheduled for July 5.

She said support groups were important for sharing recipes, ideas, and sympathies.

“It’s so hard living day to day with the struggles around making healthy choices,” she said.

“Sometimes the pressure of it, you just get tired of the fight.”

To register interest or for more information on the support group, contact Ms Saunders on 0466 583 694.

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Originally published as How diabetes changed Corio woman’s life; Deakin research reveals burden in Australia