DIABETES is on the rise in Brimbank with figures released last week showing an average of 15 new cases diagnosed each week.
Figures from Diabetes Australia-Vic revealed Brimbank is the number one spot for diabetes in Melbourne, with almost 12,000 residents suffering with the disease.
The alarming data also showed a soaring increase of 212 per cent over the past 10 years, with just 3774 cases in 2001.
Diabetes Australia-Vic chief executive Professor Greg Johnson said the main drivers of the current epidemic include weight gain across almost all age groups and all ethnic groups, driven by unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity.
“The genetic mix of communities also plays a part and Brimbank includes a mix of ethnic groups with a higher risk of developing type two diabetes,” Prof Johnson said.
He also called on local councils to make better planning decisions to create healthier communities.
Greater Dandenong and Hobsons Bay followed Brimbank as Melbourne hotspots for the disease, which can lead to potentially fatal complications including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and blindness.
