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.

Around 630,000 Australians with diabetes are at risk of vision loss or blindness because they aren’t having their eyes checked regularly.

Diabetes Australia CEO Professor Greg Johnson said diabetes was a leading cause of preventable blindness in working age Australians, yet with regular eye checks, most vision loss was preventable.

Did you know sitting for long periods can have a serious impact on your health? This could be an issue if you have a desk job.

A new study from Deakin University, and supported by the Diabetes Australia Research Trust, has found that taking 500mg of vitamin C twice daily can help those with type 2 diabetes by lowering elevated blood sugar levels across the day and minimising spikes in blood sugar after meals.

The randomised cross-over study, recently published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, also found vitamin C lowered blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes, suggesting benefits for heart health too.