THE FACTS
About diabetes in Australia
Diabetes is the major global threat to human health and productivity in the 21st century.
Diabetes will become the No 1 burden of disease in Australia in the next five years.
At least 1.7 million Australians have diabetes. This includes all types of diagnosed diabetes as well as silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes1. 280 Australians develop diabetes every day2. Approximately 100,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past year.
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia and all types of diabetes are increasing in prevalence. Type 1 diabetes is increasing, type 2 diabetes is increasing and gestational diabetes is increasing.
For every person diagnosed with diabetes there is usually a family member or carer who also ‘lives with diabetes’ every day in a support role.
About the campaign
The You think this is scary? national campaign aims to increase public awareness of the seriousness of type 2 diabetes, draw attention to the increasing numbers of Australians developing the condition, and promote the ‘good news’ story that up to 58 per cent of cases can be prevented.
This year’s campaign is quirky – using strong images illustrating the irrational fears that many people have, versus the real and hidden threat of diabetes. The campaign is in a similar vein to the scare campaigns that were effective for smoking and road death advocacy.