The power of prevention

This National Diabetes Week (13 to 19 July), our teams have been busy engaging and empowering the community about diabetes.  

Diabetes is a chronic condition which impairs the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Most people diagnosed with diabetes in Australia have type 2 diabetes.  

Although type 2 diabetes has non-modifiable risk factors, such as age, genetics and family history, the leading risk factors are modifiable. Healthy eating, increasing physical activity and quitting smoking can reduce the risk of diabetes. These healthy habits can also delay the onset of the condition and reduce the risk of longer-term complications, including cardiovascular disease.  

Across the District, Diabetes Educators work with patients, consumers and community members to provide information about ways to manage their diabetes, and live healthy lives post diagnosis.  

This month, we also held our inaugural diabetes prevention community engagement forums with Aboriginal communities (pictured), to empower Mob to make small, manageable changes to reduce their risk of diabetes and take charge of their health.  

Between 2000 and 2021, the number of people living with diabetes in Australia almost tripled. However, the incidence of new type 2 diabetes diagnoses has declined since 2011, suggesting that prevention strategies can work. 

Meredith Birch, Acting Clinical Stream Manager of Medicine and Member of the SESLHD Diabetes Governance Committee, says this is positive news. 

“Diabetes can put a significant strain on people living with the condition, and on our healthcare system. It is promising to see some progress is being made and that the strategies we have implemented are having an impact.” 

“This National Diabetes Week it is important for us to reaffirm our support for people living with diabetes and emphasise the fact that change is possible, and prevention works.” 

Published 18 July 2025