[I281]Information Network Security Agency

With the increasing prevalence of obesity and poor dietary habits amongst the Australian population, diabetes is a disease that will not just go away. It will, in fact, affect more and more Australians every day. For every person diagnosed with diabetes, Diabetes Australia estimates that there will be another person who does not realise they are suffering with the disease.

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterised by high blood glucose levels resulting from the body not producing insulin or using it properly. The results of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Life study (AusDiab) show that nearly one-in-four Australian adults has diabetes or impaired glucose metabolism.

Diabetes is the sixth highest cause of death in Australians. Type 2 diabetes is currently the fastest growing chronic disease in the country. At present, there is no known cures for either Type 1 orType 2 diabetes.

For those in our community at risk or suffering from diabetes, it is critical that they have ready access to resources that will inform and guide them through the management and monitoring of this debilitating disease.

The Better Information Network has just launched a new website to act as a one-stop-shop to access information and advise on this condition that is affecting the lives of so many Australians.

The Better Information Network is currently asking readers to submit questions and topics relating to diabetes to assist them with the compilation of a comprehensive online diabetes resource (www.officialdiabetesblog.com). The site will contain the most up to date research from the field, risk awareness information, and the personal experiences that sufferers and their families face in controlling the disease .

If undetected or poorly controlled, diabetes can cause a number of health complications that prove to be debilitating or fatal for the sufferer. Eye disorders and blindness, kidney disease and failure, peripheral nerve disease in the feet and legs, and a high instance of heart disease and strokes are the major identified complications of the disease.

Many of these complications are preventable with the appropriate management of diet, regular health checks, and the awareness of the signs and symptoms of a worsening condition. International trials show that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

“There are so many facts and figures and so much advice out there that sometimes it can be really confusing. We aim to cut through all the clutter so you can find out what you want to know, more easily and in one place." ** from The Better Health Network said, “We’d love to know what questions you have about diabetes and what topics you’d really like to know more about."

From a purely statistical point of view, it is prudent for every Australian to be aware of the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, and the various strategies we can employ to stave off diabetes for ourselves, our children and family members.