BREAKING: The number of people living with type 2 diabetes in Hunter New England has surged to approximately 90,000, with thousands more likely undiagnosed. This alarming statistic has triggered an urgent call for enhanced technological interventions to combat what experts are dubbing the “biggest epidemic in human history.”
Today, Professor Sham Acharya from the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) emphasized that type 2 diabetes is “one of the big health issues in the region,” contributing significantly to hospitalizations and escalating healthcare costs. The latest data reveals that about one in eight individuals in the area is affected by this growing epidemic.
To address this crisis, a type 2 diabetes education event is scheduled at HMRI on Friday, November 10, 2023, in recognition of World Diabetes Day. Hosted by the Diabetes Alliance Program Plus, the event aims to equip healthcare professionals with the latest strategies in diabetes management and technology. Notable speaker Laureate Professor Clare Collins from the University of Newcastle will discuss initiatives to enhance access to “evidence-based nutrition assessments and advice” through innovative telehealth solutions.
Diabetes-related complications are severe, leading to heart disease, kidney issues, blindness, and mental health challenges. In Hunter New England, the annual statistics are staggering: around 1,300 to 1,500 hospitalizations, 250 amputations, and approximately 550 deaths are attributed to type 2 diabetes each year.
Professor Acharya noted that a staggering 65 percent of type 2 diabetes cases are driven by obesity, while 30 to 35 percent can be linked to genetics, medication, and aging. He highlighted the urgent need for more healthcare resources to battle this epidemic, stating, “We are understaffed and the healthcare system is underprepared to face diabetes.”
The challenge of equitable healthcare access is particularly acute for disadvantaged communities and First Nations people, who are disproportionately affected. Professor Acharya revealed that 20 percent of hospitalizations in the region are related to type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the necessity for immediate action.
Recent advancements in diabetes treatment, including new weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, show promise in preventing the progression from prediabetes to diabetes, boasting a 95 percent effectiveness rate. However, the high cost of these medications poses a significant barrier to widespread adoption.
As the community grapples with this urgent health crisis, Professor Acharya urges residents to optimize their health through weight management, regular exercise, and nutritious diets. “There are medications to prevent diabetes, which can be discussed with GPs,” he stresses.
The upcoming event at HMRI represents a critical step in addressing this diabetes epidemic. As healthcare professionals gather to share knowledge and strategies, the hope is to turn the tide against a disease that is affecting so many lives in Hunter New England.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story—your health and the future of diabetes management in this region depend on it.
