TODAY is World Diabetes Day, a time to reflect on a disease that is attacking more and more Australians.
For the secretary of the Hastings Diabetes Support Group Barb Sawtell, the news that Port Macquarie was 10th highest in the state in terms of percentage of the population who have type one or type two came as no surprise.
“Type two often develops when you are older and being a popular retirement area that means we would be higher than many other areas,” Ms Sawtell said.
She says people who are overweight and do not have a healthy regime of diet and exercise are most at risk.
“One of the major signs is that you are very thirsty, but there are other things like cuts taking longer to heal and poor circulation,” Ms Sawtell said.
“If you do have diabetes, there are many avenues for help, including dieticians, gyms and of course our support group.
“Just not thinking about it will not make it go away, so if you are honest with yourself and think you are at risk do something about it so you can control it.”
The Hastings Diabetes Support Group meets bi-monthly on the second Thursday of the month, so the next meeting is today at 2.30pm. In addition to sharing the latest news about diabetes and raising funds for diabetes-related causes, members pride themselves on the supportive and fun atmosphere. Today’s guest speaker is Cally Sumpter from the Australian Diabetes Council.
For more information about the support group please contact Ms Sawtell on 6584 2535.
More on diabetes in the World Diabetes Day feature on page 13.
