This year the Western Bulldogs and several other AFL teams are getting behind the cause to prevent type 2 diabetes during National Diabetes Week (11-17 July).

The campaign theme, PREVENT type 2 diabetes and AVOID kidney damage, will be officially launched at the Carlton v Western Bulldogs game today at Etihad Stadium.

Diabetes Victoria explains the importance of alerting people to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic disease with serious complications of heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, blindness and amputations. The diabetes epidemic is growing by 275 Australians every day. Diabetes currently affects 1.7 million Australians, only half of whom know they have it. For every person known to have type 2 diabetes, another is yet to be diagnosed.

Diabetes is one of the main causes of kidney disease. People with diabetes are three times more likely to develop kidney damage though many Australians don’t realise the seriousness of developing type 2 diabetes and the ongoing complications, before it is too late.

Don’t be the type to leave it too late. Could you or one of your family members or friends be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes? Research shows most people do not think diabetes is a serious condition and underestimate their risk. We want you to help us alert people who are over 40, overweight who have a family history of type 2 diabetes to understand their risk, visit their doctor and join a diabetes prevention program.

To find out more about National Diabetes Week and related activities visit: www.diabetesvic.org.au/