Bigger waistlines are a growing problem in Australia and are the focus of this year?s National Diabetes Week, running July 8-14.
A large waistline is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, however a recent Newspoll* showed that people are alarmingly unaware of the risk factors of type 2 diabetes, many of which are preventable.
During this week Diabetes Australia National President, Dr Gary Deed, is urging Australia to measure up. ?People can assess their risk by measuring their waists. Acting quickly gives them the opportunity to prevent type 2 diabetes,? he said.
Carrying excess weight around the abdomen, in particular a waistline measuring over 90 cm for women and 100 cm for men, could potentially increase risk for type 2 diabetes.
?It is alarming that 800,0002 Australians may have diabetes but not realise it. And an estimated 3.3 million Australians are thought to be at high risk.?
Type 2 diabetes is not a ?touch of sugar? and needs to be treated seriously given its associated complications of blindness, amputation, kidney damage, heart disease and stroke, as well as a reduction in life expectancy of 12-14 years.
During National Diabetes Week, Diabetes Australia is asking that people think about their risk factors for type 2 diabetes and whether they can reduce their waist to reduce their risk.
The spokesperson for National Diabetes Week is Scandanavian born Ludde Ingvall, one of Australian?s leading yachtsmen, who is passionate about men?s health and supports the new campaign as he has recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes himself.
Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and healthy eating can reduce a person?s risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 60 per cent.
But this year?s campaign is not just about preventing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Australia would like to raise awareness and understanding of the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.