Diabetes on the rise in Capes

Obesity rates in Busselton remain in line with the State average while the diagnosis of diabetes is on the rise, according to health experts.

WA Country Health Service figures, as indicated in self-reported health and wellbeing measures, showed 26.5 per cent of males and 24.6 per cent of females in Busselton were obese while 6.5 per cent of the local population had diabetes, almost one per cent higher than the national prevalence.

WACHS South West population health director Jo Moore said the rates were similar to the WA average but there was cause for concern.

“Obesity levels have stabilised over the past five years while the prevalence for diabetes has been trending upwards. Diabetes contributes significantly to ill health, disability and premature death in Australia and is a National Health Priority Area,” she said.

Silver Chain area manager Joanne Penman echoed the increase in number of people suffering from the chronic disease, which flowed onto demand for services.

“There is currently a waitlist to attend the Busselton diabetes clinic,” she said.

“To meet this increasing need, the Silver Chain Diabetes Educator is collaborating with WA Primary Health to trial group sessions that include education.

“The sessions target those who have been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This trial will run until the end of May.”

Ongoing advertising campaigns and reminding the public about the range of readily accessible information were vital aspects of diabetes management, Ms Penman said.

An Australian Medicines Industry report released last month identified one in three adults were overweight or obese and too few realised the link to type 2 diabetes Following a healthy diet of low fat, low GI and high-fibre foods — inclusive of five portions of vegetables and two of fruit a day — along with daily moderate exercise, are recommended as key factors to reduce risk.

“Complications of diabetes can include retinopathy, kidney disease, nerve damage, cardiac complications, stroke, and vascular disease. Prevention through community education and support is far more cost effective than treatment,” Ms Penman said.

Ms Moore said healthy food and active play policies existed in kindergartens, schools and daycare centres, with advice from health service providers aiding any community initiatives to spread awareness.