National Diabetes Week is an annual awareness week that highlights the impact of diabetes, the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia.
Every day in Victoria around 90 people develop diabetes and all types of diabetes can cause further health complications.
New and updated diabetes devices hit the market regularly, however, cost excludes many people who would benefit from diabetes technology.
The best treatment and technology should be affordable and easy to access for all people living with diabetes, regardless of location, age, or cultural background.
Diabetes is widely misunderstood and diabetes management is relentless – the mutual support and understanding members of Bairnsdale and District Diabetes Support Group find is invaluable and helps them to feel less alone.
The Diabetes Victoria peer support program improves access to diabetes care through community education and the opportunity to discuss the latest technology and treatments with experts and peers.
The Bairnsdale and District Diabetes Support Group was formed in May 1987 following a call out to the public to see if there was community interest in the need for a support group in the area.
A definite need was identified with 26 people attending the first meeting held in the Day Room at the Bairnsdale Regional Health Service in Ross Street, Bairnsdale.
Letters were sent to all the doctors in the area notifying them a group had been formed “to be of service in helping newly diagnosed diabetics to learn to cope and have someone just to listen and talk to them”.
Records show the present at the first meeting were: M&G Hall, D. Walker, B. Connors, J. Harman, D. Wade, J. Banfield, M. Evans, B. Bracey, J. Pianta, W. Lenser, L. Ross, F. Adamson, E&R Hodge, H. Gottschalk, M. Anderson, J. Arnott, R. Wheeldon, S. Crighton-Mills, L. Schaeche, Dr Malatt.
Dr Peter Sharpe was the guest speaker, followed by a panel discussion and questions answered by Dr Malatt, Dr Sharpe and M. Anderson.
The first committee of the group was: president – D. Walker; vice president – W. Lenser; secretary – L. Schaeche; assistant secretary – R. Hodge. General committee: B. Bracey, J. Harman, D. Wade, M. Hall, M. Evans.
Lois Ross was one of the inaugural members, held various committee positions over that time, and is still a member of the group at the present time. Lois along with Edith Holland were recognised in July 2007 for their 20 years of membership.
The group has gone through many changes since that first meeting and is grateful for the continued support of the community.
It is hoped that Diabetes Week will continue to raise awareness about diabetes and assist the many people living with the condition.
IMAGE: Edith Holland and Lois Ross being presented by Sandra Leonie rom Diabetes Australia (Victoria) back in 2007.
