Beating the diabetes boom requires more than just talk

The rise in the number of people with diabetes is exploding, and this years Diabetes Week (13-19 July) is an opportunity to do more than simply talk about it.

According to Hunter New England Health, there are now almost double the number of people with diabetes as there were in 2001, which is creating a huge burden on families and communities, as well as health services.

Hunter New England Health’s Diabetes Clinical Nurse Consultant based in Tamworth Lynne Gilks, said in simple terms, diabetes is a condition which prevents the body utilising the energy (glucose) which comes from the food we eat, and stores it in the blood.

"This can cause symptoms such as excessive tiredness, thirst, frequent urination, circulation problems, infections and blurred vision. Long term high blood glucose, on the other hand, causes damage to many parts of their body such as kidneys, heart, eyes and circulation to name but a few," Mrs Gilks said.

"Early detection and control of diabetes is extremely important in reducing the damage caused by this disease," she said.

"In this day and age when we have fast food and labour saving devices to support us in our busy lives, we must work hard to balance convenience with our health needs. Only you can make the changes to your lifestyle which can protect your health," Mrs Gilks said.

For this reason, Hunter New England Health, the Divisions of General Practice, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Diabetes Australia - NSW, are joining forces to create opportunities for people to learn about diabetes prevention and also learn how they can access appropriate health screening programs.

The focus of this year’s Diabetes Week is on families, with the campaign partners eager for whole families to take up diabetes prevention messages.

Throughout the area, children are being encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles with programs such as Good for Kids, Kids on Walkabout, Healthy Canteens projects, Connecting the Dots and several other healthy eating/healthy physical activity programs.

Mrs Gilks said now is the time for parents to also demonstrate their willingness to manage their own lifestyle, to maximise their health.

People who are most at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes are those with high blood pressure and are overweight, particularly those with the classic 'apple shape' body where there is extra weight around the waist.

"If you fit into this high risk category, talk to your doctor about simple checks to identify the extent of your risk, and start living well today," she said.

Tamworth - Monday – Friday (10am – 4pm) Tamworth Shopping World - Diabetes Australia and Hunter New England Health staff providing static display and information

Gunnedah - Wednesday 16 July (12-2pm) Informal open house at Education Centre (between Gunnedah Hospital and Alkira Lodge) interactive/informal education sessions re exercise and diet (Contact: Deanne Rankin Ph: 6741 8000)

Narrabri – Monday 14 July, 10-12noon - Launch of ‘Living Well with Diabetes’ group education session, Narrabri Bowling Club (Contact: Natalie Smith Ph: 6799 2000)

Inverell - Anytime – Photo of new DCA2000 machine which measures blood glucose history from a finger prick blood test (Inverell Community Health, Contact Linda Morris or Belinda Robinson – Ph: 6721 9600)

Armidale – Armidale Hospital foyer – display re diabetes prevention and management (Contact Teena Northam for details Ph: 6776 9600)