July 18, 2012
By Pam Duggan
Over 3500 people in the Nanango electorate could be at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to new research conducted by health charity Diabetes Queensland.
Statistics show that the number of people on the Diabetes Register grew by 29.02 per cent between 2007 and 2011.
According to the charity, two million people across Australia are at high risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which now claims more lives each year than road deaths, drownings and cyclist head injuries combined.
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia, they say, and is estimated to affect up to 700,000 Queenslanders by 2031.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are at least three times more likely to have diabetes than other Australians as are people from Micronesian, Polynesian, Indian or African backgrounds.
Age is also a major risk factor, with over 45’s more likely to develop the disease.
Poor diet and being over-weight can also dramatically increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Queensland CEO Michelle Trute says that now is the time to act.
“Up to 60 per cent of all cases of type 2 diabetes are preventable through lifestyle intervention and education.
“Queenslanders must be given the best possible chance to avoid the condition, which can lead to serious complications like heart disease, eye disease, kidney disease and nerve damage.”
Diabetes Queensland have put together a new wellness package aimed at helping Queensland workplaces reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes among their employees.
‘Know The Score – Healthy Workers’ is run by diabetes experts and serves to help employees identify their personal risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It also provides information and advice about prevention.
For more information, contact the Diabetes Australia on 1300 136 588 or by email
