World Diabetes Day is recognised on the 14 November each year and is the largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries.
The blue circle is the global symbol for diabetes awareness. It signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes epidemic.
This year the global theme is Diabetes: Protect your Family. Every eight seconds someone dies from diabetes. It also important to understand that type 2 diabetes is often preventable, and complications can be avoided with good management and care.
Mackay Lions Clubs gathered at John Breen Park with Dr Ragu Channapati and Donna Marks from the March for Money initiative on Sunday 17 November to take part in a national Lions event Lap the Map.
72 participants turned up bright and early adding 294km to the Lions national walking tally and $259 toward diabetes research.
The Let’s Shape Up team provided risk surveys and HBA1C tests to eligible participants.
Barb Whitfield a qualified health and wellness professional is also providing water exercise classes for diabetes. These occur on Wednesday and Friday at 9 am at the Pat Wright Swim centre, Lawson St. and Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:15 pm at 21 Laps Performance Training centre, Evans Ave, Nth Mackay.
Please follow this important diabetes initiative up with those in your network.