14 Nov. 2005

The number of Australians with diabetes has tripled over the past two decades and continues to grow at an alarming rate, with around 50% of cases remaining undiagnosed. The effect on overall health and lifestyle, resulting from undiagnosed or poorly treated diabetes, is significant for those at risk, particularly people over 50 years of age.

Individuals have a key role in reducing their risk of diabetes and its complications by seeking early detection, managing their health, including taking medications where appropriate and monitoring progress. Modest weight reduction (5-7% of bodyweight), 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, 5 times a week and a healthy lifestyle has been shown to reduce the risk diabetes.¹

“NPS works with prescribers to provide them with the latest, evidence-based research and independent information to ensure that people with diabetes get the best medication therapy available for their condition.” said Dr Lynn Weekes, Chief Executive Officer, National Prescribing Service Limited.

“An assessment of diabetic risk can be made by your general practitioner. A diagnosis of diabetes is often the start of successful management of the condition which sometimes requires multiple medications such as antidiabetic drugs, low dose aspirin, which is recommended for people over 50 years with diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol lowering drugs” she added.

Diabetes causes progressive loss of the body’s insulin so early diagnosis and treatment are key to maintaining health and lifestyle.

“Being tested for diabetes and commencing early treatment is vitally important to reduce the many side effects of diabetes, such as an elevated risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Oral medications and the introduction of a single bedtime dose of intermediate-acting insulin when blood glucose control is difficult can be a simple and practical method of managing diabetes at home.²

People living with diabetes will also be helped to get to know their medicines better through a new consumer program being developed by NPS next year.

Consumers can also contact the NPS Medicines Line for independent, accurate and up-to-date information about their medicines. People with diabetes can speak with a pharmacist by calling 1300 888 763 Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm EST for the cost of a local call. Free consumer materials to support medicine use are available on the NPS website at www.nps.org.au/consumers” Dr Weekes concluded.

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1. Tuomilehto, J, et al. N. Eng J Med 2001; 344:1343-50

    Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. N Engl J Med 2002; 346: 393-403

2. Wong J, Yue D. Aust Prescr 2004;27:93–6.

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is a member-based organisation providing accurate, balanced, evidence-based information and services to health professionals and the community on Quality Use of Medicines (QUM). To achieve this we work in partnership with GPs, pharmacists, specialists, other health professionals, government, pharmaceutical industry, consumer organisations and the community. NPS is an independent, non-profit organisation funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.