Diabetes epidemic confirmed in Australia

Diabetes is rapidly growing throughout the world, with new research confirming that diabetes the problem is no less acute in Australia .
The new study investigated medicine used to control diabetes, and found that insulin usage has increased twofold. Also, the use of oral blood glucose-lowering medicines between 1990 and 2004 increased threefold.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released the report, entitled Use of Medicines by Australians with Diabetes.
Australia is suffering badly in the diabetes epidemic, and the growing use of antidiabetic medicines is consistent with this. Apparently, seven per cent of Australian adults now suffer from type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes has been termed the lifestyle disease, and is blamed on obesity and poor diet. According to the AIHW, almost 90 per cent of men and 64 per cent of women who have type 2 diabetes are overweight .
An expert from the Institute said: “Diabetes is a chronic condition that can have a major impact on life expectancy and quality of life, especially if undetected or improperly controlled. A healthy diet and regular exercise are important in managing blood glucose levels. Along with avoiding smoking and maintaining good control of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, these lifestyle approaches also help reduce the risk of complications such as heart attack and stroke.”
Over 1.4 million Australians have diabetes.