Tasmanians faces feature prominently in the new Diabetes Australia National Diabetes Week campaign, launched
locally today by Diabetes Tasmania CEO Caroline Wells.
The ‘Face of Diabetes’ campaign highlights the epidemic of diabetes in Tasmania and urges the incoming Federal
Government to commit to implementing a new National Diabetes Strategy as a matter of urgency.
Ms Wells said the high rate and risk of particularly type 2 diabetes has grown to be the fastest growing chronic
disease in Australia is at a critically point as it is crippling our health system.
“If current trends continue, diabetes will become the number one burden of disease in Australia in the next five
years. Type 2 diabetes currently costs the Australian community $14.6 billion a year. This will double to $30 billion
in 12 years if we don’t adopt stronger approaches to preventing diabetes and its complications’ Ms Wells said.
“It is important to note that there is no such thing as ‘mild’ diabetes as all types of diabetes are serious and can
lead to serious complications including heart attacks and stroke.
“Diabetes and it is also the leading cause of blindness in working age Australians.’
Tasmanians featured in the national campaign include Diabetes Australia Ambassador and former Senator Guy
Barnett, as well as, Margate resident David Bryan, who has type 2 diabetes and a number of complications
stemming from the disease.
“You only need to visit hospital ward and speak to patients with diabetes who are losing limbs or going blind and
you’ll soon be aware that this is an insidious and serious disease that creeps up and remains ever present,” Mr
Bryan said.
“Nearly 80 per cent of Australians don’t think they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, despite evidence that
over two million Australians have pre-diabetes, unfortunately Type 1 diabetes remains unpreventable and
incurable prominence.
Ms Wells said the disconnect between public perception of risk and the reality of the seriousness of the disease is
a major concern.
“Six Tasmanians develop diabetes every day – over 2,100 developed diabetes in the past year. The continuing
rise of this epidemic and the negative impact this has on the Tasmanian community and health system cannot be
ignored.’
The Face of Diabetes aims to raise awareness of all types of diabetes, the continuing rise of the epidemic, the
significant financial implications of the current epidemic and most importantly the need for the Australian
Government to urgently develop and implement a new National Diabetes Strategy.
Diabetes Tasmania CEO, Caroline Wells
