The ACT Liberal Party has today announced a $4.4 million election commitment for type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes prevention and awareness.

Diabetes Australia has welcomed the commitment to deliver a type 2 diabetes prevention program similar to initiatives run by Diabetes Australia in Queensland and New South Wales, and a gestational diabetes community education campaign.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO, Justine Cain, said this commitment was good news for the ACT and the organisation would welcome a matched commitment from the Labor Government.

“Type 2 diabetes prevention programs are proven and powerful, and we need every government to prioritise them,” Ms Cain said.

“Over the past decade, the total number of Australians living with all types diabetes has risen by 32%.

“Right now in the ACT, over 16,000 people are living with type 2 diabetes, and nearly 1000 more are living with gestational diabetes.

“Unfortunately, diabetes is the leading cause of many costly and debilitating complications including vision loss, amputation, kidney failure and heart disease. It is the underlying cause of death in around 11% of all deaths in Australia.

“Prevention programs like those Diabetes Australia delivers in other states are at the frontline of efforts to help combat Australia’s diabetes epidemic,” she said.

Investment in high-risk prevention has been proven cost effective with every $1 invested generating savings of $14.

Research shows type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in up to 58% of cases if people are provided with access to appropriate healthcare and support.

“That’s why the commitment to establish a local prevention program here in the ACT to connect people who are at risk of type 2 diabetes with basic health coaching and support is so important,” Ms Cain said.

Prevention of gestational diabetes is also critical for the health of mothers and babies. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of the mother and the baby developing type 2 diabetes later in life, with women who have previously been diagnosed with gestational diabetes seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are also at higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.

Diabetes Australia has a strong track record in delivering prevention programs in the community. The My Health for Life preventative health program in Queensland has delivered successful results including:

• 50% of participants met and continue to meet physical activity guidelines
• 66% of participants reported reduced wait circumference
• 50% of participants reported improved quality of life

About type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin in the pancreas.

The condition has strong genetic and family-related (non-modifiable) risk factors and is also often associated with modifiable lifestyle risk factors.

Type 2 diabetes can cause serious complications to all systems of the body. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults; the leading cause of kidney failure and dialysis; it increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke by up to four times; it is a major cause of limb amputations; and it affects a person’s mental health.

About gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes can still have a healthy baby but it is important that gestational diabetes is managed to reduce the risk of developing complications during pregnancy.  

Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of the mother and the baby developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear during pregnancy. Most women with gestational diabetes will no longer have diabetes after the baby is born.

About Diabetes Australia

Diabetes Australia is the national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes. We put people first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, consumers, health professionals, researchers and the community.

For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

Media: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332 [email protected]