Australian National Diabetes Week this year is from the 13th to the 20th July. The theme for Diabetes Week 2019 is “Take Diabetes to Heart”, focusing on the relationship between type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. Those with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop heart disease in their lives. The Take Diabetes 2 Heart campaign is encouraging Australians living with type 2 diabetes to work towards good heart habits.
Those at higher risk
- People with family history of diabetes
- Those over 55 years of age
- Anyone over 45 and overweight or with high blood pressure
- Those over 35 and of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background
- Women who have experienced gestational diabetes, or had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
If you are aged between 40 and 45 and believe you are at risk, you can book in with our clinic nurse to receive a diabetes assessment.
Diabetes Australia offers an online risk calculator, for determining your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You can click here to find out your risk.
Ways to improve cardiovascular health
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Ensuring you get plenty of regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Keeping track of your blood pressure
- Not smoking
- Managing your cholesterol levels
State Prevention Programs
The Victorian government is running Life! which is a free healthy lifestyle program that aims to assist in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Expert health professionals are offering this program through a group course, or through a telephone health coaching service, to accommodate various needs. Additionally, the website offers tips and recipes for supporting a healthy lifestyle.
If you have diabetes and believe you need assistance maintaining a good relationship with your heart health, book now to speak to your GP.
