National Diabetes Week

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (17:04): I move:

That this council—

1. Acknowledges National Diabetes Week which commenced on 8 July;

2. Pays tribute to the work being undertaken to raise awareness of diabetes in the community; and

3. Highlights the importance of increasing awareness of the importance of person-centred care for optimal diabetes management.

I rise the move the motion in my name about the significant impact of diabetes within the community. This year's National Diabetes Week campaign was entitled It's About Time, which focused on the early detection and early treatment of diabetes. Diabetes SA also launched their own campaign for National Diabetes Week, which focuses on the importance of person-centred care for optimal diabetes management. I would like to address both of these very important campaigns today.

Why talk about diabetes? Because the nature of diabetes impacts lives, families and communities. This serious disease prevents the body's insulin production and processing capabilities. High levels of insulin in the body can cause health problems. This includes an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, kidney disease, limb amputations, blindness, and mental illness. Diabetes can happen to anyone at any time. It is a non-discriminatory disease. It is because of this that there is never a better time to talk about diabetes than right now, to promote the awareness and understanding of how this disease affects lives and families.

There are three common forms of diabetes: type 1, which cannot be prevented; type 2, which can be prevented, or at least its onset can be delayed; and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes typically develops because of an autoimmune complication. This type often goes undiagnosed until people are in their early 30s, and is more common in young people. It requires constant monitoring and the use of insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adults over 45 years of age but is on the rise in younger age groups. After six to 10 years, those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are often required to use insulin daily due to the progression of the disease over time.

The late diagnosis for both types of diabetes has the potential to create life-threatening health problems for may people. Estimates show that almost 500,000 Australians are likely to already have type 2 diabetes, which goes unnoticed and undiagnosed, and may continue to go undiagnosed for another seven years. In Australia, the number of adults diagnosed with any form of diabetes continues to increase. Over the past year alone, more than 100,000 Australians have developed diabetes, and it is estimated that another two million are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

On top of this, there were 16,400 deaths in Australia in 2015 alone as a result of this critical disease. International research indicates that type 2 diabetes can be prevented in up to 50 per cent of cases. Some studies have found that the progression of diabetes can be delayed by up to 60 per cent. Whilst there is much research and study being undertaken into a cure for this disease, at present there are short-term and medium-term prevention strategies that can be pursued. This includes simple lifestyle changes which can help in either preventing the escalation of diabetes or delaying its onset.

Two of the main considerations towards diabetes prevention and management are keeping a healthy weight and diet. This will involve ensuring some level of physical activity is maintained, with a well-rounded diet where possible, and to avoid smoking. These key points are the foundation of a healthier diabetic or diabetes-free lifestyle. In many cases, a healthy diet and some more exercise can help reverse the trend. Personally, I have been traveling on this trajectory. I was diagnosed as prediabetic a number of years ago. Some six years ago the diagnosis became formalised so that I was classified as a type 2 diabetic. Last year, in accordance with the formula for the development of diabetes, I was advised that I would require insulin.

I made a decision with the help and support of my doctors, whose initial reaction was that insulin was my only option: I decided to change my eating and lifestyle habits to the extent that my sugar levels have now significantly reduced to an almost normal state. Resorting to insulin is not always necessary, as I and many others like myself have proved. Early diagnosis and person-centred care remain critical for optimal diabetes management—hence the focus for this year's National Diabetes Week campaign.

Early diagnosis is about medical professionals regularly testing patients' blood sugar levels as part of routine or general check-ups. Person-centred care is about education; it is about explaining to people the consequences of the disease and teaching them strategies to delay or prevent its onset. This is important, because it has to occur with the support of medical professionals.

Diabetes SA and Diabetes Australia play an important role in education and support on the growing trend of the disease in Australia. Both aim to raise awareness of the disease and the effect it has on daily life. Both organisations seek to promote further research and studies to help understand this disease which could one day lead to finding a cure. Their main focus still remains on promoting healthy and active lifestyle choices for the time being. While there is no single cause for type 2 diabetes, choosing healthier lifestyle options to decrease the risk factors can considerably reduce or prevent the effects of diabetes.

One in 11 South Australians over 18 have been told they have diabetes by the medical profession, one in 11. This is a phenomenal number, and we need to address the significance of this disease. The focus of National Diabetes Week this year is on early detection and prevention, and self-centred care. Research has demonstrated how critical these points are in sustaining a healthy community.

We should be concerned about the growing rate of this disease within our community and provide the right tool so that people are aware of the symptoms and the risk factors. Governments should be developing strategies to ensure that everyone is educated about diabetes. This means that schools teach children about the symptoms and effects of the disease and about how to prevent its early onset through healthy and active lifestyles.

It also means encouraging doctors to understand the early signs and to primarily promote disease deterrence and maintenance through diet and exercise. There is clearly a role for government in this area. The NGOs are carrying an enormous load in education, research and campaign work. Governments, along with medical professionals, will need to adopt a more coordinated and systemic approach to prevention and cure, giving those who are living with diabetes more freedom and control over their condition.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. T.J. Stephens.