Every year, diabetes costs the Australian healthcare system $9.1 billion, more than three times what was estimated.
Currently, more than two million Australians are living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes. Without investment in prevention, up to 3.6 million Australians could be living with diabetes by 2050.
There are over 35,000 people living with diabetes in the Northern Sydney Primary Health Network. Specifically, the Hornsby LGA has over 14,000 cases of diabetes; the Ku-ring-gai LGA has almost 9,100 cases; the North Sydney LGA has almost 4,000; the Willoughby LGA has more than 5,800 cases; the Lane Cove LGA has nearly 2,500 cases; the Mosman LGA has almost 1,400 cases; and the Northern Beaches LGA has over 17,000 people living with diabetes.
This data includes Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition.
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.
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy.
Risk factors include age, family history, ethnicity and cultural background, being overweight, smoking, unhealthy eating habits, high blood pressure, and high levels of cholesterol. Managing risk factors within one’s control will help prevent type 2 diabetes, though still over 42% of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes developed the disease because of genetics, not lifestyle.
‘It’s important to remember that no one chooses diabetes and the stigma that surrounds type 2 diabetes is destructive,’ Justine Cain, Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO.
The diabetes epidemic is one of the biggest health challenges facing Australia. Diabetes Australia is advocating for the government to invest in public education campaigns and initiatives.
