Peninsula diabetes rates above average

Parts of the Peninsula have rates of diabetes that are above both the state and national averages, according to statistics from Diabetes NSW.

The percentage of diabetics in Blackwall and Booker Bay registered to the National Diabetes Services Scheme are both higher than the state and national averages.

Blackwall had a percentage of 6.2, while Booker Bay was 5.6.

The average across NSW was 5.3 per cent while the national average is 5.1 percent.

Diabetes NSW diabetes educator Ms Angela Blair said the difference could be because of the area's aging population and fewer options for healthy eating.

Ms Blair also said the most common form was type two diabetes.

"Unfortunately with type two diabetes, the main risk factors are things you can't prevent, like family history of diabetes, age and cultural background," she said.

Early detection was critical in preventing life-threatening health problems.

Some early signs of diabetes are excessively needing to go to the toilet, inability to quench thirst and a constant feeling of tiredness.

In the case of type one diabetes a person may also be getting thinner despite eating and drinking more.

"Diabetes has a significant impact on quality of life and reduces life expectancy if not diagnosed in time and managed properly."

SOURCES:

Media release, 5 Jul 2017

Rian Newman, PR Executive Filtered Media

Interview, 6 Jul 2017

Angela Blair, Diabetes NSW and ACT

Reporter: Scott Falconer