National Diabetes Week puts fear in perspective

Tasmanians are being asked what scares them more – sharks and spiders or chronic disease? – as
Diabetes Tasmania launches National Diabetes Week 2014 at Parliament House today.

Certainly Goodwood man Daniel Webb found it scary when he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
at the age of just 24.

Mr Webb said he was very overweight and had enjoyed a terrible diet of junk food and beer when
he was diagnosed eight years ago.

“Since then I’ve learned so much more about why it’s important to look after my health so I don’t
die young and leave my wife and kids without a husband and father,” Mr Webb said.

“I now understand that diabetes can be a life and death kind of disease.”

Diabetes Tasmania CEO Caroline Wells is fearful for Tasmanians, with over 26,000 people already
diagnosed and an estimated 44,000 at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the state.

Ms Wells said most cases of type 2 diabetes were preventable, meaning the chances of heart attack,
stroke, blindness and amputation could also be significantly reduced.

“Despite this, 77 per cent of Australians don’t think they are in danger of developing diabetes and
therefore aren’t taking the necessary steps to live a long life, free of disease and disability caused by
diabetes,” Ms Wells said.

National Diabetes Week, which this year focuses on awareness and the prevention of type 2
diabetes, was launched in Tasmania by Parliamentary Secretary Guy Barnett MP.

“Six Tasmanians develop diabetes every day, which is very concerning to the Liberal Government
and more so for the individuals, their families and the public health system,” Mr Barnett said.

“National Diabetes Week helps raise awareness of this largely preventable disease and ensures the
quality of life for these patients.”

Health economist at the Centre for Health Policy, School of Population and Global Health at the
University of Melbourne, Professor Philip Clarke, said the burden of diabetes wasn’t just a personal
one – the economic effects were also huge.

“The health care costs for a person with diabetes are between $10,000 and $15,000 per year, which
is considerably higher than those of the average Australian,” Professor Clarke said.

“By preventing and treating type 2 diabetes now, many more Australians will live to see their
grandkids.”
Diabetes Tasmania