How fat is too fat?

THE number of Kyabram people registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme who suffer from Type 2 diabetes is above the national average.

About 89 per cent of Kyabram residents registered with the NDSS suffer from Type 2 diabetes which is about three per cent higher than the national average of about 86 per cent.

The statistics come after Diabetes Australia raised awareness of the tragedy of diabetes related amputations during National Diabetes Week last week.

However Kyabram District Health Service chief executive Peter Abraham said the health service ‘led the charge’ in Campaspe Shire regarding diabetes prevention and had recently made moves to reduce staff risks of contracting the disease. program designed to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Ms Progue said staff at the health service were happy to have access to the program.

‘‘They’re very excited,’’ she said.

‘‘We’ve had an excellent uptake and they’re very motivated.’’

Mr Abraham said with services throughout the Campaspe Shire partnering together there was a good chance the prevalence of diabetes in the community could be reduced.

Mr Abraham said this was important.

‘‘We have to acknowledge that diabetes and obesity are among the top reasons why people come into hospital for health care,’’ he said.

Kyabram District Health Services kiosk volunteers Mary Kendall and Simone Guinan with the soft drink free fridge.

Kyabram District Health Services credentialed diabetes educators Wendy Progue and Anne Waterman hold onto a model of fat.