November 14 marked World Diabetes Day. Diabetes is Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease, and the fourth leading cause of death by disease globally. Every 10 seconds someone in the world dies from diabetes related causes.

These statistics highlight the importance of diabetes and why it is getting more and more attention as a major health issue within Australia.

There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is the less common form of diabetes, affecting only 10 to 15% of all diabetics. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not known, however it is often strongly related to a family history of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the more common form of diabetes affecting 85 to 90% of all diabetics. Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease and strongly associated with high blood pressure, being overweight or obese, insufficient physical activity and poor diet. Other risk factors include having a family history of diabetes, age, and being of aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

It is estimated that 60% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including:

• Regular physical activity
• Making healthy food choices
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Not smoking
• Managing blood pressure
• Managing cholesterol levels

So despite the severity and prevalence of diabetes, it is very much preventable in most cases. Having a healthy lifestyle is crucial, but it is also beneficial to one to take regular diabetes screening.

For more information, download FitSense Australia’s November Wellness Newsletter.