MEDIA RELEASE  Media embargo – 2 June 2010

We can stop diabetes (210 words)

Screening may help people delay or avoid the onset of diabetes.
Dr Melanie Bertram and Professor Theo Vos from the University of Queensland conducted a study to calculate the duration of pre-diabetes. The results are published in the June issue of Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
Pre-diabetes is a period prior to the onset of type 2 diabetes when a person’s blood glucose level is no longer ‘normal’ but does not yet fall into the category of diabetes.
Currently in Australia, more than 1 million people have diabetes and a further 2 million have pre-diabetes. Direct health costs to diabetes are estimated at $835 million annually.
The study found that men can have pre-diabetes for approximately 8 years and women 10 years before they progress to type 2 diabetes.
“The duration of pre-diabetes in Australia is long enough to warrant a screening program,” said Dr Bertram.
“People with pre-diabetes can be identified, and treatment may prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
“A screening program would benefit those at risk through age, weight or a family history, or Indigenous people.
“It has the potential to reduce the burden of disease due to diabetes, as well as other preventable diseases that occur with diabetes like heart disease.”
ENDS

For more information about this research, contact: 
Marlene McKendry, Phone: 0401 996847; email: m.mckendry@uq.edu.au

MEDIA ONLY: To receive a PDF of the paper or for more information about ANZJPH, contact: Peta Neilson ANZJPH Administration Ph: (03) 9329 3535 E-mail: anzjph@substitution.com.au

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health is published by the Public Health Association of Australia. Information on the Association and the Journal can be found at http://www.phaa.net.au