One new case of type 2 diabetes is diagnosed in Australia every 5 minutes. According to the Australian Diabetes Council  this is up from the 2011 figure of 1 every 5.5 minutes.

If the rate of  290 Australians being diagnosed every day continues it is estimated that by 2030 the entire health budget will be needed to fund patients with the disease. Treatment of the disease currently takes up over $10.3 billion a year.

NSW research released today showed diabetes sufferers were 3 to 4 times more likely than non diabetics to develop a heart disease.  Broken Hill had the highest rate of diabetes and heart disease in the state, and in   Sydney the western area suburbs were most affected.

CEO Nicola Stokes said the numbers are a reflection of the poor infrastructure and the individuals own eating and exercise habits. Ms Stokes said that “Governments will have to take action across several portfolios if they are to rein in the rate and cost of the disease.” “It is about governments taking responsibility for the health outcomes of all the decisions they make.

There are 2 types of diabetes—Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 The exact cause of type 1 is unknown however there is a strong family link and it cannot be prevented nor cured. The disease can be managed through adopting a healthy lifestyle and the regular testing of blood glucose levels and insulin.

Type 2 is the most common form affecting 85-90% of people diagnosed with diabetes. Usually affecting older people it is now becoming more common in younger people. Type 2 can also evolve from a form of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy known as gestational diabetes.
While some of the main risk factors include being overweight and not doing enough exercise, anyone can be found to have the disease. Australian Olympian and Australia’s Most  Admired Women in 2011  Cathy Freeman was diagnosed with gestational diabetes in 2011. Cathy said that though the news was a shock as she felt she is a very fit person, though being indigenous can add the risk of developing type 2. 

Cathy used insulin 4 times a day to manage the condition. After having her baby in August she said she is now back to “pre-diabetes” and is controlling it through diet and exercise.