National Diabetes Week 8-14 July 2012
In 2012, Diabetes SA will be working to raise awareness about diabetes and cardiovascular disease (conditions of the heart and blood vessels).
The aim is to encourage all people with diabetes to manage lifestyle factors and have regular checkups to help prevent or to manage cardiovascular disease.
The key messages are:
Diabetes: Did you know? People with diabetes are 3-4 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes: Did you know? More than 65% of people with diabetes die from cardiovascular disease.
Although the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) is high when you have diabetes, there are many things you can do to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.
Talk to your health care team for further advice on:
Quitting smoking Smoking doubles your already high risk of CVD when you have diabetes due to blood vessel damage. Call Quit line on 131 848 today to start taking your steps towards quitting.
Take medications as directed Medications may be prescribed to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Take all medications as directed by your doctor.
Regular screening Regular screening of blood pressure, blood fats and blood glucose levels is important to identify your risk of CVD and management options. Your doctor should check your blood pressure and your cholesterol, triglyceride and blood glucose levels regularly to determine if they are in the desired range for you.
Getting active Regular physical activity can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, maintain a healthy weight and improve your self esteem and sense of wellbeing.
Maintaining a healthy weight/waist circumference Carrying extra weight, especially around the middle can increase LDL cholesterol and worsen glycaemic control by increasing insulin resistance. Even a small weight loss will dramatically reduce your CVD risk.
Enjoying a healthy eating plan Healthy eating can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, triglycerides and blood glucose levels.
National Diabetes Week Resources Diabetes SA has developed materials to add to their ongoing suite of resources. This year’s materials include:
- Diabetes and cardiovascular disease tri-fold brochure
- A3 poster
- Cardiovascular health checklist
Diabetes SA has a free resource pack available to health professionals. To place an order please email
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.

Diabetes Week Events Diabetes SA will be celebrating National Diabetes Awareness Week with a free seminar focusing on diabetes and cardiovascular disease on Saturday July 14th, 2012 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Booked out
Various workplaces will be visited to raise awareness of diabetes. People will be encouraged to take the ‘Risk Test’ to determine whether they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
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