The health of Queensland’s Parliament was in the spotlight today as Diabetes Queensland conducted health checks and type 2 diabetes risk assessments on Queensland MPs, as part of the Healthy Parliament, Healthy Queensland event.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett demonstrated his commitment to raising awareness about type 2 diabetes by taking a free risk assessment.
“Type 2 diabetes is the world’s fastest lifestyle disease and the situation in the electorate of Burnett is no different,” Mr Bennett said.
“There are more than 1,000 people in Burnett living with type 2 diabetes and a further 2,700 at high risk of developing the condition.
“I had my risk assessed because type 2 diabetes is serious and I wanted to better understand the risks to my health.
“It was quick and straight forward, and I encourage people across the community to log on to www.diabtesqld.org.au to find out their own risk.”
Diabetes Queensland CEO Michelle Trute said risk assessments were an important step in addressing the growing type 2 diabetes epidemic and reducing the significant costs associated with the disease.
“There are more than 1.5 million Australians living with type 2 diabetes which costs the Australian taxpayer an estimated $14.6 billion per annum,” Ms Trute said.
“This bill is forecast to increase to $30 billion by 2025 unless urgent action is taken.”
Ms Trute encouraged all Queenslanders to understand their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by taking the free online test using the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK).
“The test only takes around five minutes and could be the difference between whether or not you develop type 2 diabetes,” Ms Trute said.
If you score 12 or more you are at high risk and may have prediabetes – you should consult your doctor and talk about a prevention program.
The Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessments were conducted as part of the Healthy Parliament, Healthy Queensland initiative. It was a partnership between Diabetes Queensland, Brisbane Markets and attended by Health Minister Lawrence Springborg and Agriculture Mini
ster John McVeigh.