Diabetes Australia today issued a wakeup call about the diabetes epidemic which is overwhelming Australia’s hospitals after a new study found that people with diabetes accounted for around one-third of all hospitalisations.

Heart disease is one of the most common and lethal complication associated with type 2 diabetes which is why research into preventing its impact is so important.

The Diabetes Australia Research Trust is supporting research at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute where researchers believe they may have identified a potential new therapy.

Insulin resistance is the process where the body no longer responds to insulin in the way it should. It often precedes a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Dr Clinton Bruce from Deakin University says our understanding of the mechanisms that cause insulin resistance must be improved.

Researchers believe they are another step closer to figuring out the triggers for the autoimmune response that can lead to type 1 diabetes - which could pave the way for a vaccine that could prevent the condition in people at high risk.

Professor Jenny Gunton from the Westmead Institute for Medical Research has discovered that the lack of specific protein in the pancreas, HIF-1A, could play a key role in the development of type 1 diabetes.

Energizer Australia Pty. Ltd. (“Energizer”) will support National Diabetes Week for the fourth year in a row and will donate $1 from the purchase of every specially marked pack of Energizer® batteries to Diabetes Australia to support the organisation’s life-changing work. The money raised will help Diabetes Australia assist people living with diabetes and fund critical diabetes research through the Diabetes Australia Research Program. The Program funds diabetes research into all facets of diabetes including, hopefully, a cure.

Energizer has a 120 year history of innovation in batteries and is currently the maker of the world’s longest lasting AA battery (Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™). Diabetes Australia CEO Professor Greg Johnson welcomed Energizer’s support of National Diabetes Week for a fourth consecutive year.

Diabetes Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Lee to a new role to strengthen the focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and diabetes.

Diabetes Australia CEO Professor Greg Johnson said he was excited that Chris had taken on the challenge to help improve outcomes for First Nations people with diabetes.

“Chris is from the Larrakia peoples of Darwin in the Northern Territory and brings more than 25 years’ experience in effective engagement and consultation with First Nations communities,” Professor Johnson said.