It is National Diabetes Week. Are You at Risk of Diabetes?

National Diabetes Week starts on July 9, and there’s no better time than now to talk about this serious and complex condition.

An estimated 2 million Australians are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and there are also large numbers of people with silent, undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes which may already be damaging their bodies.

Diabetes can affect your entire body and requires daily care. If complications develop, it can really impact your quality of life, reduce your life expectancy and affect your mental health.

This is why it is so important to learn about diabetes, so you can manage and prevent it not only for yourself, but to support loved ones who might be living with the condition.

According to Diabetes Australia:

• One Australian every 5 minutes develops diabetes, that’s 280 people each day
• Having diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke, particularly in older adults, by up to four times
• Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults
• The condition affects mental health, as well as physical health - depression, anxiety and distress, occur in more than 30% of all people living with diabetes
• Diabetes does not discriminate, anyone can develop diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes accounts for 10% of all diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85% of all diabetes
• Gestational diabetes - which occurs during pregnancy

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and cannot be prevented. However, some risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes can be controlled by making lifestyle changes, while others you are born with and are genetic in nature.

An estimated 2 million Australians are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and there are also large numbers of people with silent, undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes which may already be damaging their bodies.

We encourage you to check your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, using the Diabetes Australia Type 2 diabetes risk calculator. It is a simple and easy way to assess your risk by answering 11 short questions.

If you think you are at risk, it’s time to talk to your GP.

You can also join the Life! program - a free Victorian lifestyle modification program that helps you reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It’s funded by the Victorian Government and is the biggest prevention program of its type in Australia. Visit www.lifeprogram.org.au for more information.

Join the debate - and learn more about Diabetes

Diabetes Australia is hosting a 'Great Debate Series' which will feature people living with diabetes and diabetes experts, discussing the big topics relevant to the future of diabetes in Australia. The sessions are held online and begin on July 10, 2023.