Diabetes Australia, Queensland

10 – 16 July 2011

National Diabetes Week raises awareness about type 2 diabetes, which is the fastest-growing non-infectious disease in the world.

Every day, 60 Queenslanders are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. For every person diagnosed, there could be another who has it but doesn’t know. Currently there are 300,000 Queenslanders with diabetes, and there may be another 300,000 who have it but are undiagnosed.

Diabetes can have serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and limb amputation. It can take 15 years off a person’s life if not managed properly.

There is no cure for type 2 diabetes. Prevention is the answer.

 

Are you at risk of type 2 diabetes?

Your weight, diet, age, exercise patterns and family origins may put you at risk.

 

You can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by adopting a healthy lifestyle — eating healthy food, being physically active and maintaining a healthy body weight.

 

You can assess your risk of type 2 diabetes using our online assessment tool.

 

Find out more about type 2 diabetes during National Diabetes Week.

 

60 Faces in King George Square, Brisbane

During National Diabetes Week, we are undertaking a major awareness activity showcasing the 60 faces of type 2 diabetes in Queensland, centred on King George Square but including people from around the state. This activity will involve 60 life-sized images of people type 2 diabetes, reflecting the fact that every day 60 more Queenslanders are being diagnosed.

 

There will be touch-screen kiosks for people to assess their type 2 diabetes risk. Eric, the star of the national campaign Swap it, will be on hand and there will be lots of activities and information about type 2 diabetes available. National Diabetes Week resource kits are available by emailing or call 1300 136 588.

 

Mining industry project

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, three in four mining industry workers are overweight or obese, which puts them at increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Queensland is working with the mining sector to raise awareness about type 2 diabetes. We are currently undertaking a pilot program with two mining companies, with the view to a larger industry-wide roll-out in the future. This project is supported by the Queensland Government.

 

Fundraising

A number of fundraising opportunities are planned for National Diabetes Week. If you would like to assist us by fundraising, we would welcome your support. Please email or call Diabetes Australia — Queensland on 1300 136 588 for more information.