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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2019-07-03 Daily Xml
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Motions

National Diabetes Week

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (15:52): I seek to move the motion in an amended form.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS: I move:

That this council—

1. Acknowledges that 14 to 20 July is National Diabetes Week;

2. Recognises the thousands of South Australian families impacted by this issue;

3. Continues to promote diabetes awareness to make South Australians aware of the illness; and

4. Ensures that continued education takes place to promote better day-to-day activities to maximise opportunities to reduce contracting the illness.

I strongly believe in focusing on the importance of one's own health and wellbeing and the positive impact it can have. I believe setting individual goals and having clear and concise conversations to embrace an individual's own health beliefs and values can help achieve optimal self-management in respect to diabetes, one of the more complex conditions an individual can live with, a condition which, if left unchecked, over time can cause damage to the body's organs, blood vessels and nerves.

In South Australia 6.1 per cent of the population are diagnosed with diabetes. Self-management is the key to reducing the risk of diabetes-related ailments, albeit that the process can be complex. It is why we need to empower people to be confident in their choices. This National Diabetes Week, Diabetes SA is focusing on the importance of self-management, its campaign entitled 'A prescription for your health and wellbeing'.

The campaign focuses on self-management and improving communication between health professionals and people living with diabetes to create a more engaging and supportive environment. Treatment for this condition is more than a prescription for medication. It includes eating healthy, physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing your medications, reducing stress and having regular check-ups with your doctor.

Unfortunately, a recent report, entitled Burden of Diabetes in Australia: It's time for more action, dated July 2018, noted that only 40 per cent of people with diabetes complete their annual cycle of care. For those who are unaware, a diabetes annual cycle of care is a list of the health checks created for people with diabetes to review their health. It is the minimum level of care for a person with diabetes.

International research indicates that type 2 diabetes can be prevented in up to 50 per cent of cases. Some studies have even found that the progression of diabetes can be delayed by up to 60 per cent. Knowledge is key. Early diagnosis and person-centred care remain critical for optimal diabetes management. We must do what we can to ensure people with diabetes feel empowered to make choices that lead to optimal health outcomes. NGOs in this area are carrying an enormous load in education, research and campaign work on this subject.

I thank Diabetes SA for the work they have undertaken in creating a new resource, Goals of Diabetes Management, to help people with diabetes navigate through the checks that are required to achieve better health and wellbeing outcomes. I encourage all in this chamber to familiarise themselves with this resource because we as a government have a responsibility to assist in developing a more coordinated and systemic approach to encourage optimal self-management for those who live with diabetes.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins.

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