Diabetes education event
ONE of the state's biggest diabetes education events will address the alarming lack of knowledge about the condition across Queensland.
Research has shown that despite living with diabetes for many years, only 4 per cent of people with diabetes passed a basic knowledge test about the condition. The study undertaken by Diabetes Queensland also revealed that only 18 per cent knew the cause of diabetes, and less than 40 per cent were having recommended health checks.
Diabetes Queensland aims to arrest the impact of this condition by hosting a two-day education event, expected to attract more than 1000 people. Diabetes Impact, a day for health professionals, and Stepping Forward, a day for people with diabetes, will be held in Brisbane this April.
CEO of Diabetes Queensland, Michelle Trute, says knowledge is key to helping and motivating people affected by the world's fastest growing non-infectious chronic disease.
"People need every chance possible to understand and manage this condition," Ms Trute said.
"Diabetes is a complex condition that doesn't disappear after diagnosis - people live with the burden of managing it for the rest of their life."
"I think we have a great opportunity to give hope and help people with diabetes to live long and productive lives. Many Australians with type 2 diabetes also have a complication like heart disease, eye disease or limb amputations. Our education event can empower people to prevent themselves from becoming the next statistic."
Diabetes is the number one cause of avoidable hospitalisation in Queensland, above conditions such as the flu and asthma.
Health Program Leader Deborah Gillespie says the education event will help turn the condition around in Queensland by offering the latest information available for health professionals and people with diabetes, their carers, family members and friends.
"Health professionals will be better equipped to support people with diabetes to manage their condition in a range of settings. The events will provide a model of good practice in diabetes management, innovation, and even understanding about the use of technology in health care," Ms Gillespie said.
"People with diabetes will increase their knowledge by hearing from experts about insulin pumps, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, dealing with depression and understanding the effects of diabetes complications. In fact, there are a range of topics they have the freedom to choose from on the day."
The education events will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13 and 14 April. Registrations are open via www.diabetesqld.org.au
