In Australia, nearly two thirds of men and half of all women are overweight or obese. This is a key factor in the alarming rise of type 2 diabetes. Yet up to 60 per cent of diabetes cases could be prevented, or at least delayed, by people maintaining a healthy weight. The main keys to long-term weight loss and reducing your waist measurement are healthy eating and regular physical activity.
National Diabetes Action Program (NDAP)
The National Diabetes Action Program (NDAP) is Diabetes Australia’s national type 2 diabetes awareness and prevention initiative. It supports and links with diabetes programs and health promotion initiatives undertaken by Diabetes Australia’s state and territory organisations.
Type 2 diabetes often runs in families.
View: Diabetes Australia's latest NDAP campaign.
The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK)
Many Australians, particularly those over 40, are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity. Family history and genetics also play a role in type 2 diabetes.
The Type 2 Diabetes Risk Evaluation is available to people aged 40 to 49 years (inclusive) who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. ‘High risk’ is determined following completion of the Australian type 2 diabetes risk assessment tool and its review by a doctor.
Victorians
Diabetes Australia - Vic is coordinating the Victorian Government funded program called Life! Taking Action on Diabetes and is a new evidence-based type 2 diabetes prevention program targeting people 50 years of age and over. Lifestyle courses have been shown to prevent type 2 diabetes in up to 58% of people at high risk.