Diabetes Queensland has welcomed the State Government’s announcement of a hard-hitting public health campaign to address the state’s skyrocketing obesity epidemic.
Diabetes Queensland CEO Michelle Trute said the government was to be applauded for taking a tough stance to tackle the state’s burgeoning chronic disease burden. “Type 2 diabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic disease, with 62 people diagnosed every day in this state alone,” said Ms Trute. “And rates are expected to triple across Australia by 2025.”
“This government is to be congratulated on this investment in preventive health, essential to the long-term health of Queenslanders, she said. “We look forward to working with Health Minister Springborg and the Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young.”
Ms Trute said government and organisations like Diabetes Queensland, the Heart Foundation, Cancer Council and Nutrition Australia needed to work together if Queensland was to effect real change and address this deadly issue.
Ms Trute said more than two thirds of adults are classified as overweight or obese. “It’s vital that we take community action to increase education and support, and help people make better lifestyle choices,” she said.
“Type 2 diabetes is one of the country’s greatest emerging health and economic burdens, at a financial cost of up to $6 billion annually,” said Ms Trute. “This is a costly condition which we all have a responsibility to tackle together, to stop this epidemic spiralling out of control.”
Type 2 diabetes is known as a lifestyle condition which can be largely prevented or delayed through regular exercise, ensuring a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy weight.
