Type one diabetes continues to rise

THE Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is concerned but not surprised by new figures released last week by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The figures show that the incidence of type one diabetes continues to increase.
Mike Wilson, JDRF’s CEO, said the figures show that type one diabetes is a serious health issue for Australia.
“These figures increase the urgency to invest in research into type one diabetes, to prevent new cases and ultimately deliver a cure for the 140,000 Australians affected by this disease.”
“Type one diabetes is an autoimmune disease that cannot be prevented, and there is a pressing need to research why new cases of type one diabetes have increased significantly among 0 to 14-year-olds since 2000, and why Australia’s rate of type one diabetes is one of the highest in the world.
“The AIHW report found that every day five Australians are diagnosed with type one diabetes.
“To stay alive, those people will have to take up to six insulin injections, as well as up to eight blood sugar checks with a painful finger prick test every single day for the rest of their lives.
Unlike type two diabetes, type one diabetes is not related to everyday diet or obesity.
It is a chronic condition that usually strikes in childhood but lasts a lifetime.
Sufferers are left with a 24/7 regime of finger-prick tests, insulin injections and the constant fear of health complications such as blindness, limb amputation and kidney failure.
“JDRF invested over $10m in Australian research last year and internationally we have invested over $1.3 billion since inception, to find a cure for this insidious disease.
“Scientists are learning more all the time about the complex genetic and environmental causes of this disease and they tell us that a cure will be found with increased investment in research.
“The report found the incidence for males aged 15 years or over is significantly higher than for females.
“We need to invest in the best diabetes management practices, like insulin pumps, to give these young people the best possible future, and JDRF is pleased to be working with the Australian Government and Diabetes Australia to help those families affected by type one diabetes get access to this important technology.”