In Australia, nearly two thirds of men and half of all women are overweight or obese. This is a key factor in the alarming rise of type 2 diabetes. Yet up to 60 per cent of diabetes cases could be prevented, or at least delayed, by people maintaining a healthy weight. The main keys to long-term weight loss and reducing your waist measurement are healthy eating and regular physical activity. Type 2 diabetes often runs in families.
National Diabetes Action Program (NDAP)
The National Diabetes Action Program (NDAP) is Diabetes Australia’s national type 2 diabetes awareness and prevention initiative. It supports and links with diabetes programs and health promotion initiatives undertaken by Diabetes Australia’s state and territory organisations.
View: Diabetes Australia's latest NDAP campaign.
The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK)
Many Australians, particularly those over 40, are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity. Family history and genetics also play a role in type 2 diabetes.
The Type 2 Diabetes Risk Evaluation is available to people aged 40 to 49 years (inclusive) who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. ‘High risk’ is determined following completion of the Australian type 2 diabetes risk assessment tool and its review by a doctor.
Victorians
Diabetes Australia - Vic is coordinating the Victorian Government funded program called Life! Taking Action on Diabetes and is a new evidence-based type 2 diabetes prevention program targeting people 50 years of age and over. Lifestyle courses have been shown to prevent type 2 diabetes in up to 58% of people at high risk.