It’s official

New research from the University of Canberra has found Australian children are now more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. “In 12-year-olds entering secondary schools, approximately 30

per cent had elevated insulin resistance and other early signs of developing type 2 diabetes,” says Professor Dick Telford from the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise. “There’s no cure for type 2 diabetes, but it is largely preventable if we tackle the risk factors. There are some genetic links but for the most part, it’s a lifestyle disease. Addressing the lack of physical activity, poor diet and overweight or obesity are the key areas.”