Media release – 1 July 2021
Diabetes – do you know the risks?
South Australia already has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the country, and as we go
about our daily lives, approximately 180,000 people aged 25 years or older are living at risk or
living with this chronic condition.
For the 6% of the South Australian population who have been diagnosed with diabetes, the daily
management of the condition can be challenging, but it can be done with the right support from health
professionals, family, and organisations like Diabetes SA.
National Diabetes Week, July 11–17, is all about raising awareness of diabetes and this year, Diabetes
SA will turn the focus onto the risk factors associated with diabetes.
We aim to:
- Increase awareness of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes through the AUSDRISK tool
- Reduce the risk of complications for those living with diabetes
- Provide risk management advice to those living at risk or living with diabetes
From health professionals to community organisations, media, and individuals, we all have a social
responsibility to support diabetes awareness to ensure we can facilitate the early detection, prevention,
and management of diabetes.
A comprehensive NDW Campaign Kit has been prepared and will be widely circulated to help raise
awareness and provide suggestions of how everyone can get involved. In short, people can take the
AUSDRISK test at facethefacts.org.au, share social media posts and conversations, display posters and
promotional material, see a GP for a check-up, and talk to family and friends about diabetes. This will all
go a long way to working toward reducing the number of people impacted by diabetes.
Diabetes SA CEO Angelique Pasalidis said, “Diabetes related complications for people living with, or at
risk of diabetes can include damage to the body’s blood vessels and nerves. This can lead to long term
health complications including heart, kidney and eye disease, and nerve damage in the feet.”
“Diabetes is one of Australia’s and our state’s most serious and costly chronic health conditions. This
NDW, we need firstly to find the people at risk through the AUSDRISK test at facethefacts.org.au and
support them try to prevent the development, and secondly we need to ensure those with diabetes
avoid the serious complications through good management strategies.” concluded Angelique.
Diabetes. It’s not worth the risk.
Media Contact
Interviews are available with:
Diabetes SA CEO Angelique Pasalidis, Executive Manager Health & Research Fiona Benton and
Diabetes SA Health Professionals (Educators and Dietitians) as required.
Please contact:
Sabine Kloss, Marketing & Communication Manager 0499 223 357 / sabine@diabetessa.com.au.