Media Releases - 18 March 2020
Every dollar counts for diabetes research
With the end of the financial year approaching, Diabetes Victoria is asking for donations to allow the best minds in Victoria to undertake vital diabetes research.
“Funding for diabetes research grants can save lives,” says Diabetes Victoria CEO Craig Bennett.
“Last year, Diabetes Victoria contributed almost $2.7 million to vital research – an outcome of which we are very proud. But until we find a cure, we must continue our efforts.”
In the last 100 years, great progress has been made to improve the lives of people affected by diabetes. It has been almost 100 years since insulin was first used to manage diabetes, saving millions of lives across the world. Furthermore, there have been major developments in technology; including the emergence of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pumps which have transformed the lives of thousands of Victorians living with diabetes.
Despite the relief provided by CGM, the day-to-day grind of living with diabetes and constantly managing blood glucose levels is still a challenge. Diabetes is relentless and for Victorians living with this lifelong condition and their families, there is no break. Research is the key to making advances in the prevention and management of diabetes and in the search for a cure.
“There has been rapid development of new technologies and new medications, particularly for those with type 2 diabetes,” says Associate Professor Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis from the University of Melbourne, whose research project was supported by Diabetes Victoria.
“These are underpinned by years of research, which provide data about safety, effectiveness and likely health benefits. Research that helps us to understand how to translate clinical trial findings into practice so that people with diabetes can benefit is very important,” Associate Professor Manski-Nankervis continues.
With one adult in ten projected to develop diabetes by 2040 worldwide, there is an ever-growing need for all types of diabetes-related research. Latest data from the National Diabetes Services Scheme reveals that diabetes prevalence is continuously growing, with more than 346,000 Victorians currently registered on the scheme. In the last year alone, more than 28,000 Victorians were diagnosed with diabetes – almost 80 every day. In addition, Diabetes Victoria estimates that an additional 150,000 Victorians do not know they have type 2 diabetes and a further 750,000 Victorians have elevated blood glucose levels, which puts them at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible. Please visit diabetesvic.org.au/donate or call 1300 437 386 to support diabetes research.
We support, empower, and campaign for all Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes.
For more information:
Jane Kneebone 0416 148 845 jkneebone@diabetesvic.org.au
Sybille Taylor 0408 102 344 staylor@diabetesvic.org.au
