29 April 2009
One of the State’s leading health organisations, Diabetes WA, is working to turn around the disturbing rate of diabetes amongst the Indigenous population.
With diabetes up to three and a half times more common amongst Indigenous people than other Australians, the organisation delivers diabetes awareness and prevention messages specifically to these groups.
National research estimates that between 10% and 30% of the Indigenous population are living with diabetes, although many are undiagnosed.
Diabetes WA Board Member and former AFL player, Troy Cook, says that he hopes to contribute to turning this trend around through Diabetes WA programs and by promoting healthy lifestyle choices to Indigenous youth.
“My motivation to join Diabetes WA was largely that of concern for my family and friends – some who have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,” he said.
“The statistics around the Indigenous population and diabetes can be disheartening, but these can be improved as type 2 diabetes can be prevented through healthier, more active lifestyles.”
In WA, diabetes-related deaths are seven to ten times more common for Indigenous people than non-Indigenous people.
“A concerning issue Diabetes WA have found is that a number of Aboriginal people believe that it is inevitable that they will be diagnosed with diabetes, due to family history – with very little talk or awareness about preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes,” Mr. Cook said.
“By sharing the good news that type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through healthy lifestyle changes, we can show that it is not inevitable and inspire many Indigenous people to take charge of their health.”
Diabetes WA developed and distribute the “Live Now and Have Hope for the Future” booklet, a resource based on discussions with Aboriginal people that offers a crucial message of hope.
With 95% of the Aboriginal population with diabetes living in remote areas, a challenge facing Diabetes WA is the costs involved in reaching these target groups.
Through community support and funding, Diabetes WA can continue to boost awareness amongst Indigenous people and work towards reducing the impact of diabetes.
For more information about the “Live Now and have Hope for the Future” booklet and Diabetes WA’s Indigenous Action Plan phone 1300 136 588.
Supporting Active Indigneous Kids
Kicks4Kidz, a partner of Diabetes WA, is a program that works to promote healthy, active lifestyles in young indigenous children in remote Western Australian communities. The intiative includes activities such as collecting unwanted football or netball gear and bringing them to remote communities. Read more.
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