Tasmanian health, advocacy and community groups are joining forces to make the biggest impact in reducing rates of type 2 diabetes – one of the state’s largest and most complex health challenges.
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia. Around five per cent of Australians live with diagnosed diabetes, a figure that has increased almost three-fold since 2000. In Tasmania, that figure is even higher at 6.1 per cent.
Organisations dedicated to helping Tasmanians living with diabetes, or working to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, have gathered at the St Lukes wellness hub in Launceston for a think tank-style event.
As a not-for-profit health insurer at the intersection of advocacy groups, clinical care, and the community, St Lukes Chief Health Officer Luke Cameron said they were really pleased to be able to bring different voices together to enact generational change.
“Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in up to 58 per cent of cases, or effectively managed through good diet and regular exercise – so what’s stopping us? The disease rate in Tasmania is going up and up, so this is a critical question,” Mr Cameron said.
“The outcome of the think tank will inform our own chronic disease strategy, to identify how private health insurers can better support health and advocacy organisations’ work, and where we can step up to fill gaps in services and models of care to make a difference for Tasmanians living with life-altering conditions.”
Think tank participants included world-renowned sports and nutrition advocate Dr Peter Brukner and former Tasmanian Premier the Honourable Peter Gutwein. Mr Gutwein said he was living proof of how lifestyle changes, particularly in terms of diet and movement, could change your life for the better.
“Whilst not pre-diabetic, two years ago I was 15 kilos overweight, not very active and paid scant attention to my personal wellbeing. I realised at age 57 two thirds of my life was nearly over and I decided I wanted my last 30 years to be my best 30 years,” Mr Gutwein said.
“I didn’t go on a diet, but I did change my diet to less carbohydrates and more protein and began a daily gym and walking plan. While not as busy as when I was Premier, I do work fulltime, so I allocate just an hour each day for me and the results have been amazing. I have never been healthier, and my overall personal wellbeing is simply brilliant.”
Diabetes Australia’s General Manager Tasmania, Minke Hoekstra, said it was critical for experts, stakeholders and advocates to work together.
“We’re sharing our experiences and understanding of the main challenges in preventing, detecting and helping people to live healthily with type 2 diabetes in Tasmania,” Ms Hoekstra said.
“Diabetes is the leading cause of many debilitating and costly complications including vision loss, amputation, kidney failure and heart disease. Helping Tasmanians to prevent type 2 diabetes is the only thing that will protect future generations from the painful and costly impact of living with the condition, both on individuals and the health system.”
St Lukes is also encouraging the community to have their say on the issue, with interactive question boards on display at its Launceston and Hobart wellness hubs, as well as a digital survey.
About diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body doesn’t effectively use the insulin it produces, often resulting in high blood glucose levels. It typically develops over many years and usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years. According to Diabetes Australia, it is increasingly occurring in younger age groups including children, adolescents, and young adults.
Although the condition has strong genetic and family-related risk factors, 58 per cent of people can prevent or delay the condition through healthy eating and an active lifestyle. Evidence shows around half of all people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can achieve remission through intensive dietary changes and weight loss.
ENDS