Members and guests of the Armidale/Uralla and District Branch of the Australian Diabetes Council gave a heart-felt welcome to special presenter, locally based Cardiologist Dr. Amir-Hadi Nojoumian, at the local support group’s recent bi-monthly meeting.
Diagnoses of diabetes continues to rise. Among the major consequences of diabetes are cardiac health concerns.
“I spoke about coronary artery disease, in terms of diagnoses, how it presents and treatment, because coronary artery disease in diabetics has particular presentations.”
According to Dr Nojoumian, cardiac arrest is one of the major causes of death among diabetics. “Research results strong show that the risk of a diabetic person having a heart attack is equal to that of someone who has already had a heart attack.”
That the busy specialist took the time to talk to the Branch of the Australian Diabetes Council demonstrated how important he considers education and awareness to be. “A very good body of research supports the notion that health advice and messages, when they come through a support group, is accepted and understood much better. These groups provide a very good source of information and user-friendly support to patients. So, it is important that groups such as this exist and are in turn, supported by the specialist community,” he said.
“Diabetes and obesity are the epidemics of our century. Predictions exist that this coming generation will be the first in hundreds of years to live a shorter lifespan than their parents. Longevity has been increasing every generation. Due to a lack of exercise, obesity and diabetes, this generation is facing a decreased life-expectancy.”
The specialist told the support group that vigilant management of diabetes can reduce the risk of heart attacks and cardio-vascular illnesses. “We have made progress in the treatment of conditions such as hypoglycemia and in promoting awareness towards redressing the lifestyle causes of diabetes but more needs to be done to prevent to diabetes crisis from worsening,” Dr Nojoumian said.
President of the Armidale/Uralla and District Branch of the Australian Diabetes Council, Sue Farmer said that new faces are warmly welcomed by the support group.
