In Australia, nearly two thirds of men and half of all women are overweight or obese. This is a key factor in the alarming rise of type 2 diabetes. Yet up to 60 per cent of diabetes cases could be prevented, or at least delayed, by people maintaining a healthy weight. The main keys to long-term weight loss and reducing your waist measurement are healthy eating and regular physical activity.

National Diabetes Action Program (NDAP)
The National Diabetes Action Program (NDAP) is Diabetes Australia’s national type 2 diabetes awareness and prevention initiative. It supports and links with diabetes programs and health promotion initiatives undertaken by Diabetes Australia’s state and territory organisations. Type 2 diabetes often runs in families.

The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK)

Many Australians, particularly those over 40, are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity. Family history and genetics also play a role in type 2 diabetes.

The Type 2 Diabetes Risk Evaluation is available to people aged 40 to 49 years (inclusive) who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. ‘High risk’ is determined following completion of the Australian type 2 diabetes risk assessment tool and its review by a doctor.

The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK)

Please note that The Deaprtment of Health and Ageing is currently reviewing AUSDRISK.

Victorians
Diabetes Australia – Vic is coordinating the Victorian Government funded program called Life! Taking Action on Diabetes and is a new evidence-based type 2 diabetes prevention program targeting people 50 years of age and over. Lifestyle courses have been shown to prevent type 2 diabetes in up to 58% of people at high risk. Visit the website for more information.

Thanks to our friends at Diabetes Australia

For more information or check-ups on Diabetes.  Please visit your local Terry White Chemists

Article from Diabetes Australia

A new medication is available in Australia for people with type 2 diabetes. BYETTA (exenatide) is a new agent in a new class of drugs which has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for registration in Australia.

BYETTA is an injectable medication used to improve glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can be used with metformin and/or a sulfonylurea. National President of Diabetes Australia Dr Gary Deed said, “This is a promising addition to treatment options for some people with type 2 diabetes but as with all new agents, time will be required to assess its place in management and its long term safety.”

BYETTA is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. As BYETTA is currently only available on private prescription – type 2 diabetes patients using the therapy will need to purchase their needles (same gauge as insulin needles) via their pharmacist. Needles will not be available on the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) for people with type 2 diabetes using Byetta.

The NDSS is a Government initiative administered by Diabetes Australia that provides blood and urine testing strips, insulin syringes and needles and insulin pump consumables at subsidised prices to people with diabetes.

Contact:
Dr Gary Deed
National President
Diabetes Australia
0411 171790

Source: Diabetes Australia

On 21st May 2007 the New England Journal of Medicine reported on a new analysis which highlighted the possibility of increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction and death from cardiovascular causes) through the use of rosiglitazone (AVANDIA) by people with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Australia is closely monitoring the situation. It is important to note that the report is based on a preliminary study, which by its design cannot be definitive. The authors of the recently published study themselves state that it has important limitations and the results have ‘considerable uncertainty about the magnitude of observed hazard’.

Diabetes management should be monitored and assessed on an individual basis through consultation between patient and doctor. However Diabetes Australia suggests that people with type 2 diabetes who take rosiglitazone (AVANDIA) should not stop using this medication until they have discussed their ongoing use of this medication individually with their GP or specialist. If a decision is then made to discontinue rosiglitazone (AVANDIA), alternative treatments to maintain diabetes control will need to be considered.

In Australia, we have a robust system whereby medications are approved and constantly reviewed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

The TGA carries out a range of assessment and monitoring activities to ensure that therapeutic goods available in Australia are of an acceptable standard. This assessment and monitoring in turn protects the health and wellbeing of the Australian public.

Unless or until the TGA takes action in relation to the use of rosiglitazone (AVANDIA), Diabetes Australia’s recommendation is that people who are on this medication should discuss with their doctor whether it is appropriate for them to continue to take the medication by weighing up the risks and benefits.

Diabetes Australia advises that people with diabetes take this opportunity to discuss heart disease risks with their treating doctor.

A copy of the New England Journal of Medicine report can be seen on the Diabetes Australia website along with a statement issued by the TGA.