Reduce diabetes risk

People at risk of developing diabetes or want to make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of diabetes have an opportunity to join a free community ‘Life’ program set to start at West Gippsland Healthcare Group.

Statistics show the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke in Australia are increasing.

Every day almost 280 people develop diabetes, every 12 minutes someone dies of cardiovascular disease, and one in every six people is likely to suffer a stroke.

Life has been developed by Diabetes Australia and is run by a Diabetes educator. It teaches participants how to reduce their risk of chronic disease by making small changes to their lifestyle to assist people to achieve and maintain health goals.

Since 2008, more than 52,000 Victorians have joined the Life! Program to reduce their risk of chronic disease.

Diana enrolled in the Life Program after finding out from her doctor that she was at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. She joined a local group course and lost 12 kilograms. “The Life Program worked for me,” she said. “Just by being committed to achieving a series of small goals, I got the results I wanted, not by going on a diet but by integrating a whole new lifestyle that now feels normal to me.

“It’s also taught me that you should never give up and do the best for yourself.”

West Gippsland Healthcare Group’s Community Health Services is preparing to run a Life group course shortly.

For more information, phone Diabetes Educator Karen Herbert on 5624 3500, talk to a GP or visit the website www.lifeprogram.org.au.