Help for diabetes

AN Endeavour Hills resident said he has learnt a lot about healthy eating habits after participating in a course to help people prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes
Jean Allan Pasnin, 44, was referred to a Life! course by his doctor as he was pre-diabetic. He said the course was very eye opening, informative and helpful.
“Working out how to read product labels has helped me out a lot; it really is surprising what is in the food we buy,” he said.
“I have made some small changes, I have got into more exercise and I am more aware of avoiding high fat in products. I walk at least 4km four days a week and I get on my bike a few days a week as well.
“I would recommend the course. It has definitely helped me out.”
The course is free for 25,000 high risk Victorians over 50 years of age.
Diabetes Australia Victorian director of programs and services Dr Ralph Audehm said 375 Victorians were diagnosed with diabetes every week.
“There is no cure for type 2 diabetes and no escape once you have been diagnosed. People need to check their blood glucose every day, require lots of tests they need to see their doctors more often and require regular medication,” he said.
“Being overweight is closely linked with developing type 2 diabetes which is something people can avoid. Diabetes is serious and can have serious consequences such as heart attacks, blindness and kidney failure,”
There are Life! courses coming up all over Victoria. Doctor referrals are necessary to participate.
To assess your risk take the free diabetes risk test by calling 13 RISK, visiting www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/life, then visiting your local doctor and asking whether joining a local Life! course is right for you.