Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard today welcomed the delivery of an important message to her Electorate Office from Diabetes WA in conjunction with National Diabetes Week which runs from 12 – 18 July. 

“90,000 West Australians have been diagnosed with Diabetes and another 80,000 may be unaware they have the condition,” said Dr Woollard.

“This is worrying because an undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetic can suffer from other serious health conditions including heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, blindness or amputation of limbs.

“As a nurse, I have seen how a person’s quality of life is affected when their diabetic condition is not properly managed.

“200 Western Australians are diagnosed with the Diabetes each week.

“In the City of Melville alone, there could be up to 8,000 people who have Diabetes.

“Residents can assess their risk of developing Type II Diabetes by taking the Diabetes WA’s online ‘Tick Test’,” said Dr Woollard.

The ‘Tick Test’ can be accessed at http://www.dontignorediabetes.com.au/Am_I_at_Risk.

“Alternatively, if residents tick ‘Yes’ to one or more of the attached questions, they are at risk of developing Type II Diabetes,” said Dr Woollard.

“Those at risk should:

1.     Make an appointment with their GP to discuss their risk and need for a blood glucose test.

2.     Make a commitment to be physically active, make healthy food choices and achieve or maintain a healthy weight.

“Prevention of this lifestyle disease is important because there is no cure.  Early detection allows a person to better manage the condition, reducing the risk of developing complications,” said Dr Woollard.

Diabetes WA enticed Dr Woollard with a healthy tasty lunch earlier today to raise awareness about the disease during National Diabetes Week.  Dr Woollard is hoping that not only will a good healthy lunch help her avoid diabetes, but that it will also help her shed a few extra kilos. 

Media contact at Diabetes WA: Tara Mulholland - 0408 933 803.