Member for Bennelong, Mr John Alexander MP is joining the call for action on our fastest growing chronic disease, diabetes, and encouraging every one to take a run, step or jump for their health this World Diabetes Day, Monday 14 November.
“With the rates of diabetes increasing at such speed, we need to act now,” said Mr Alexander. “Each of us can do something today for our own health – either to help manage diabetes, or to help prevent it.”
To help promote World Diabetes Day, John Alexander will join a representative from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in addressing staff at the Australian headquarters of leading global pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly Australia on Tuesday 15 November, right here in Bennelong.
About Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that is diagnosed when there are abnormally high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. More than three million or one in four Australian adults over the age of 25 have either diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetes). There are two main types: Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes, which represents 10-15% of cases; and Type 2 (non-insulin dependent but may be insulin requiring), which represents 85-90% of cases and may be prevented in around 60% of people at risk.
“Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes is a lifestyle choice, a conscious decision to embrace a healthier lifestyle,” said Mr Alexander. “All of us can make small changes every day to improve our long term health. This may be as simple as walking the shops instead of driving, or walking up an escalator instead of standing still.”
John Alexanders Five tips that you can act on today:
Go for a brisk walkfor 30 minutes during the day – walk at a rate where your breathing rate increases but you can still chat with someone. You can break the walk up into 10 or 15 minute sessions to fit around the day.
Add an extra serve of vegetables to your daysuch as ½ cup cooked vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, eggplant and peas, or a full cup of salad, such as lettuce, capsicum, and cucumber, all of which are in season now.
Try some wall push ups– stand at arm’s length from a wall with your feet shoulder width apart . Place your hands shoulder width apart on the wall. Slowly bend your elbows, moving your chest toward the wall. Then, slowly push back from the wall. Repeat 8-10 times.
Increase your ‘incidental activity’- If you’re driving somewhere, park an extra block away, or if you’re catching the bus get off a stop early, and walk the rest of the way. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Stand while you are on the phone.
Choose wholegrain, high fibre optionswhen eating breads or pastas - On average in a day you should be aiming for 28g of fibre per day for women and 38g per day for men.
