On Wednesday, November 14 people all over the world will share their stories of living with diabetes as part of this year’s World Diabetes Day.
Diabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic condition and there is no cure. Twenty-eight people are diagnosed with diabetes each day in WA – more than one an hour.
Diabetes WA knows that living with diabetes is easier when you have family support, and will help Western Australians to share their experiences on the day.
Across WA people are rallying to help raise awareness and funds to support people living with diabetes.
In Bunbury, Busselton, Capel, Collie and Harvey, Diabetes WA is currently running a free program called Let’s Prevent, to help people at risk of diabetes, heart disease or stroke to minimise their risk.
Having a family member with type 2 diabetes means your own risk of developing diabetes is higher.
Let’s Prevent is not a weight loss program or an exercise program - participants choose what they want to improve, and by how much.
The 12 month program equips them with practical information and skills about food choices and activity, and enables them to talk to others who are in a similar situation.
Launched in August this year, Let’s Prevent is the first of its kind in Australia.
Three Esperance schools are participating in World Diabetes Day, thanks to local campaigner, Ian Campbell.
Mr Campbell has been passionate about raising diabetes awareness since he lost his wife, Deb, to complications from this chronic condition.
Students at Esperance Senior High School, Nulsen Primary School and Esperance Primary School will give a gold coin donation in exchange for wearing casual clothes for the day, with all funds raised going to Diabetes WA to provide education and support to Western Australians living with diabetes.
If you would like to donate to Diabetes WA as part of World Diabetes Day, visit this page: everydayhero.com.au/event/world-diabetes-day-appeal-2018.