Diabetes Prevention
Do you have high blood pressure?
Are you overweight?
Has someone in your family had type 2 diabetes?
If so, you are at risk of type 2 diabetes.
We know that about one million Australians are diagnosed with diabetes, however for every one diagnosed, another is undiagnosed. An estimated 2.1 million Australians have pre-diabetes.
Check if you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes
If you answer yes to one or more of the following then you are at risk of type 2 diabetes.
• I am over 45 years of age and have high blood pressure
• I am over 45 years of age and overweight
• I am over 45 years of age and one or more members of my family has/had diabetes
• I am over 55 years of age
• I have heart disease or have had a heart attack
• I have/had high blood glucose levels during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
• I have/had recorded a borderline blood glucose level or been told I have/had impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), pre-diabetes
• I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and am overweight
• I am over 35 years of age and I have Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islanders, Indian sub-continent or Chinese cultural heritage
If you answered yes to one or more of these risk factors it is important to talk to your doctor at your next visit. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.
Be Well – Know Your BGL
Our “Be Well – Know Your BGL” campaign encouraged all people to ask their doctor for a blood glucose level test and to be aware of the risks factors of type 2 diabetes.
Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes - also known as Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) and Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG), is a condition that occurs when the blood glucose level is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
If you have pre-diabetes, living a healthy lifestyle is your best defence against developing type 2 diabetes.
The 'Pre-diabetes. Act Now!' campaign provides more information about prevention.
Prevention in the workplace
Learn more about the Vitality Workplace Health Program.
Invigorate magazine
The new 16-page Invigorate magazine has been developed with information and motivation tips to help people prevent type 2 diabetes. To get your copy call 1300 138 588 or Contact Us.
Businesses can also take action to ensure their employees stay healthy and productive.