Diabetes Epidemic
The number of Victorians with diabetes has doubled since 2001.
Recent figures from Diabetes Australia – Vic reveal that over 200,000 Victorians now have diabetes, with 41 of Victoria's 79 Local Government Areas (LGA) now considered diabetes 'hotspots'. An area is designated a hotspot when more than 4% of its population has either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
DA–Vic's Diabetes Epidemic mapping website shows the prevelance of diabetes in every Victorian LGA in 2001, 2006 and 2008 and reveals the increasing number of diabetes 'hotspots'. The site also contains detailed statistics for each LGA and LGA rankings.
Note: The municipalities ranked 42 and above are not classified as hotspots. In the statistical facts sheets they have been incorrectly given a hotspot rating. Please disregard these statements.
Key findings:
- The total number of people with diabetes in 2001 across all local government areas was 96,344. By 2008 this had increased to 200,602. This is an increase of more than 100% in 7 years.
- In 2001 there were 5 diabetes hotspots. By 2008 this had increased to 41 hotspots. View all 'hotspots' on the maps.
- The top 4 'hotspot' municipalities in metro and rural areas in 2008 are:
Metro – Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Moreland and Melton
- In Brimbank there are 2 new cases every day
Rural – Loddon, Pyrenees, Moyne and Baw Baw
- 1 in every 10 people in Loddon has diabetes.
- The majority of new cases of diabetes in the last 7 years have primarily been in metro areas.
- 75% of the increase in incidences of diabetes has been in people aged over 50 years.
Diabetes is serious and can lead to potentially lethal complications including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. It can also lead to blindness, lower limb amputation and erectile dysfunction and is associated with depression.
Take action! – Diabetes Epidemic advocacy
Are you concerned about the incidences of diabetes in your local government area?
I want to take action! – Diabetes Epidemic advocacy
We are calling on all Victorians to take part in the Diabetes Epidemic campaign and help prevent escalating rates of type 2 diabetes in their area. Using one of our customised emails or letters, you can let your local government know that you're concerned about rising rates of diabetes in your community and urge them to make diabetes prevention a council priority.
Radical change is needed to change environments and lifestyles so they do not contribute to growing the diabetes epidemic futher. We encourage you to think about your local area and priorities for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users and recreational walkers.
You and your municipality can play a leading role. Evidence around the world shows that when local communities are engaged, and community leaders like Mayors and others stand as champions, then it is possible to have a positive impact on the dual epidemics of overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Please join the Diabetes Epidemic campaign and take action today.
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