Fighting Diabetes Is A Family Affair

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 15 Jul 2008 - 0:00 PST

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Probing relatives about a history of type 2 diabetes in the family and tackling an unhealthy lifestyle as a family, could be the answer to curbing Australia's diabetes epidemic, according to health professionals. Launching National Diabetes Week in Melbourne this week, National President of Diabetes Australia, Dr Gary Deed, encouraged Australians to discuss any family history of type 2 diabetes with loved-ones.

'If both your parents have type 2 diabetes, you will have a one in two chance of developing the condition yourself. Families need to talk about diabetes, assess their risk and see their doctor for a full risk assessment,' said Dr Deed.

He said while it was impossible to change our genes, there were ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

According to recent research, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and following a healthy eating plan can lower a person's risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 60 per cent. 'Sensible eating and regular exercise is so much easier if you make it a family affair,' said Dr Deed.

Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) Executive Director Claire Hewat said: 'If someone in your family has diabetes, the whole family needs to make healthy eating a priority - not just the person with diabetes. Or if your mum, brother, aunt or any other family member is trying to shift a few kilos, give them your support and encouragement.'

Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science (AAESS) Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell said: 'Improving exercise habits and being active as a family is crucial to preventing type 2 diabetes.'

- Be a good role model to your family by choosing healthy foods.
- If you have children at home, involve them in planning the weekly menu.
- Swap healthy recipes and meal ideas among your family.
- Catch-up with your relatives over a healthy picnic or barbeque.

The AAESS recommends families:

- Encourage and support children to play team sports, and take part in 'active' interests, such as swimming, dancing, cycling and rollerblading.

- Lead by example and make time as a family to be active.

- Take the family outdoors - to the park, to the beach, to the pool, kayaking, bushwalking. Walk as a family & walk or play with pets.

- Contact AAESS and find an Exercise Physiologist close to you, to prescribe physical activity specific to you and/or your family.

Families can locate an Accredited Practising Dietitian at the 'Find an Accredited Practising Dietitian' section of the DAA website at http://www.daa.asn.auor by phoning the APD hotline on 1800 812 942.

The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is the professional body representing dietitians nationally. Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is the only national credential recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia. For more information visit http://www.daa.asn.au

Background Information:

- Diabetes Week runs from July 13 to 19. For more information, go to http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au or visit http://www.diabetesinfamilies.com.au

- Around 1925 Australians develop diabetes every week.

- People attending group sessions for type 2 diabetes that are run by Accredited Exercise Physiologists, Accredited Practising Dietitians and Credentialed Diabetes Educators, are eligible to claim rebates through Medicare.

Dietitians Association of Australia