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Canberra Today 13°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Expo to unlock the secrets of living with diabetes

THE first Diabetes Expo, for people living with, or at risk of, diabetes, will be held at the Canberra Convention Centre on Saturday, September 3.   Hosted by Diabetes ACT, the “Live Your Life” forum will include tips on how to live and eat well, the latest available resources and expert presenters.

Ian Peters, Diabetes ACT general manager.
Ian Peters, Diabetes ACT general manager.

“This will enable local people who may be at risk of diabetes, have ‘pre-diabetes’, or are living with diabetes to meet others, exchange ideas and discover the latest in diabetes care,” says Diabetes ACT general manager Ian Peters.

There will be separate and individually tailored programs for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

“Diabetes is a serious complex condition which can affect the entire body,” says Ian.

“When someone has diabetes, their body can’t maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood and require daily self-care. If complications develop, diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life and can reduce life expectancy. There is no such thing as mild diabetes and there is currently no cure but you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and effectively managing it.

“Diabetes ACT provides services and support for people with all types of diabetes and their families. We have been here in the ACT for almost 50 years providing advocacy and a voice for everyone in the region effected by diabetes

“We provide quality information and advice. Our own diabetes educators and dietitians are available for individual and group consultation, where people with diabetes can find out more about their condition and the latest best practice. Medicare rebates are available through GP referral.”

ACT Regional diabetes facts

  • ACT region currently has 22,000 people living with diabetes and an estimated 10,000 who may be undiagnosed
  • In addition, it is estimated that 40,000 people in our region have pre diabetes and are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future
  • 170 people are newly diagnosed every month
  • We have 2500 people living with Type 1 diabetes which cannot be prevented or cured with almost 200 of these being under the age of 15
  • Type 2 is the most common diabetes accounting for 85% of all diagnosis
  • Type 2 risk factors in order are:   1) Age 2) Ethnicity 3) Family History 4) Lifestyle
  • For every person diagnosed with diabetes there is usually a family member or carer who also ‘lives with diabetes’ every day in a support role.
  • Total cost impact of diabetes in Australia is estimated to be at least $14.6 billion per year. This is not taking into account the personal, emotional, social and financial burden of living with Diabetes

The expo opens at 10am and entry, morning tea and lunch is $20 (Diabetes ACT members, $15). Bookings to 1300 136588.

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