MEDIA RELEASE - Diabetes Week
Online questionnaire helps persons 40+ check their risk for type 2 diabetes.
National Diabetes Week – July 11-18
During National Diabetes Week, the Eastern Ranges GP Association is urging residents to take a simple test to determine their risk of type 2 diabetes.
Dr Barbara Inness, Chair of Eastern Ranges GP Association, says the AUSDRISK tool - a simple questionnaire found at www.diabeteslife.org.au - can identify if you or a family member have the risk factors associated with developing type 2 diabetes.
"This questionnaire is a simple first step for people to at least rule out their potential risk for type 2 diabetes or to start to dealing with their potential risk if the results indicate otherwise.
"The AUSDRISK questionnaire will identify areas associated with age, diet and lifestyle that may increase a person's risk of developing the disease," Dr Inness said.
In the Shire of Yarra Ranges there was a 123% increase in the frequency of people being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes between 2001 and 2008. In the City of Maroondah the increase was 109%. (source: www.dav.org.au)
"For those who have been diagnosed, their treatment is underway, but for many Australians the tell tale signs are not so obvious and often this disease goes undetected and then it becomes too late.
"This is one of the key benefits to taking this AUSDRISK test - it has the potential to prevent people from developing type 2 diabetes," Dr Inness said.
Eastern Ranges GP Association runs Life! Taking Action on Diabetes courses to support general practice and individuals in preventing and managing diabetes. This 6 session program is delivered in Croydon, Lilydale, Healesville and Pakenham by local health educators and is shown to prevent type 2 diabetes in up to 58% of participants.
Chief Executive Officer, Kristin Michaels, said "we are urging residents, particularly those over 40, to take a moment to do the AUSDRISK questionnaire and then discuss the results with their general practitioner.
"If a person is identified as at risk, they may be eligible to join a Life! course close to home, at minimal to no cost to get help with diet, exercise and quitting smoking.
"While type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease, early intervention can often significantly delay someone being diagnosed with type 2 or eliminate their risk all together" said Ms Michaels.
To find out your risk visit www.diabeteslife.org.au or for more information on lifestyle modification programs visit www.ergpa.com.au/ or call Renee Gunstone or Sally Ingram on 9871-1000.
CONTACT: Kristin Michaels, CEO, Ph: 9871 1000
ISSUED: 9 July 2010