New figures show the number of Victorians diagnosed with diabetes has reached the “critical mark” of 300,000 and another 500,000 people are at “high risk” of developing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Australia Victoria statistics show 27,000 Victorians were diagnosed with the disease last year, the equivalent of 74 cases a day.
Its chief executive Craig Bennett said he was very concerned about the figures.
In just two years’ time, diabetes will be the leading cause of disease burden in Australia, overtaking heart disease.
While there is no cure for type 1 diabetes, which makes up about 10 per cent of cases, it is a different situation for type 2 diabetes.
It is know as a lifestyle disease, brought on by eating too much of the wrong food and not exercising enough.
“We do know from evidence that regular physical activity and a healthy diet can reduce the chances of people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by about 60 per cent,” Mr Bennett said.
“We want all Victorians, whether they have diabetes or not, to eat well and be physically active,” he said.
People with elevated blood glucose levels have pre-diabetes, which puts them at risk of developing the disease.
About 500,000 Victorians fall into that category and when combined with those who already have the disease, almost 800,000 people are affected.
“They’re very challenging statistics,” Mr Bennett said.
“We have our work cut out and we’re very keen for people to get the message that they need to eat well, exercise regularly and reduce their chances of getting diagnosed with what is a very difficult and complex disease.”