Wuchopperen Health Service Limited’s Allied Health team will head to Raintrees Shopping Centre from 9 am – 3 pm on Monday 9 July to raise awareness about the health impacts of sugary drinks.
The Diabetes Week 2018 theme ‘It’s About Time’ prompts people to get tested for Type 2 diabetes, as the longer it goes undiagnosed, the more serious the consequences.
Wuchopperen Diabetes Educator Tony Pappas said up to half a million Australians may have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes.
‘On average, people have Type 2 diabetes for about seven years before it is diagnosed. During this time the disease will damage blood vessels and nerves and increase your chances of chance of vision problems, amputation, stroke, kidney damage and heart attack.’
Wuchopperen’s Allied Health team will be discussing the amount of sugar there is in soft drinks and fruit juice and will also highlight the healthier alternatives. ‘Everyone can reduce their sugary drink consumption,’ said Tony.
‘Having less sugary drinks such as soft drinks, sports drinks and juice will help people improve their diabetes, and for those who do not have diabetes it will reduce their chances of developing the condition.
‘Having less sugary drinks also supports healthy teeth, healthy skin, healthy weight and a healthy wallet. Drinking one can of soft drink a day for a year has significant impact:
- Cost – $1,095
- Amount of sugar – 15kg
- Amount of potential weight gain – 6.5kg
‘This Diabetes Week, consider swapping sugary drinks for water, and having a health check which includes a test for Type 2 diabetes.’