According to the Primary Health Network of Western New South Wales (WNSWPHN), diabetes prevalence in the Western and Far West NSW region is 6.1 percent of the population. This is higher than the national average of 5.5 percent and is increasing annually.

Sufferers of the disease will no doubt be aware that today (Tuesday 14 November) is World Diabetes Day.

This year’s theme is know your risk for type 2 diabetes to help delay or prevent the condition and the importance of having access to the right information and care to ensure timely treatment and management.

Associate Professor Anthony Dear, from Eastern Health Clinical School at Monash University said it’s never too late to make a conscious effort to reduce the health problems associated with type 2 diabetes.

"Diet, regular exercise, healthy eating and weight, together with medications if required, can avert the long-term health consequences of type 2 diabetes, which include cardiovascular disease impacting heart, brain, kidneys, eyes and legs. We do have choices and modern medicine can potentially help make these choices a little easier," Professor Dear said.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Is also being diagnosed at younger ages, often presenting as a more aggressive disease leading to complications at a younger age. People in the WNSW PHN region are 40 percent more likely to die as a result of their diabetes than the rest of NSW.

The following risk factors are the most significant contributors to the development of type 2 diabetes:

• Prediabetes, where the blood sugar levels are higher than normal but less than those used in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
• Being overweight
• Over 55 years old
• 45 years or older and overweight
• Over 35 years and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, or Pacific Island, Indian or Chinese background
• Family history of type 2 diabetes e.g. parent, brother, or sister with it
• Smoking
• Physically active less than three times a week
• Have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)

 Our Indigenous population are at particular risk as 20 percent of people living with T2DM identify as Aboriginal.

Mitchell Cain, a proud Kamilaroi man from Walgett who now lives in Dubbo found out he had type 2 diabetes at 22 years of age and has since he lost his leg due to complications. He’s encouraging people to take simple steps to stay healthy, identify diabetes early and manage the condition.

"You've got to make the right decisions for yourself," he said. "Do what you have to do, take the insulin. Eat right, Eat healthy."

Professor Dear offers advice to prevent diabetes.

“Prevention is much better than cure!" he said. "Lose weight and keep it off. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing five to seven per cent of your starting weight. Move more - get at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. If you have not been active, talk with your health care professional about which activities are best. Start slowly to build up to your goal."

"Eat healthy foods most of the time. Eat smaller portions to reduce the amount of calories you eat each day and help you lose weight. Choosing foods with less fat is another way to reduce calories. Drink water instead of sweetened beverages."

"And stop smoking. Smokers are 30-40 per cent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes."

 Find out more here