By Olivia Condous
The City of Melton has a higher number of residents affected by diabetes than the national average, according to data from the National Diabetes Services Scheme.
Australia has 5.4 per cent of the population as registrants in the scheme, whereas 6.5 per cent of Melton’s population are registered.
Melton residents affected by diabetes are being encouraged to come forward to assist researchers from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in uncovering more about the disease.
Fraser Rise resident Mary Rizzo, a participant in the study, has type 2 diabetes along with many of her family members.
“Diabetes is really bad and it runs in families, so if I can help, I will… we need to find answers,” Ms Rizzo said.
“I make sure my daughter has her children’s sugars tested frequently because their father also has diabetes.”
Ms Rizzo’s sister, Mercieca Raimondo, also has type 2 diabetes.
“I hate this disease with a vengeance, it’s a curse,” Ms Raimondo said.
“There have been heart attacks and strokes in our family because of it, it really is a nightmare and something I’d like to help change.”
The Baker Heart and Diabetes institute is conducting the ‘PREDICT’ research study at Sunshine Hospital in order to learn how to identify who might be at risk of diabetes complications.
According to the Baker Institute, type 2 diabetes can cause complications such as heart attacks, strokes, damage to eyesight, nerve damage, reduced kidney function and circulation issues leading to amputation.
Residents from the local government areas of Melton, Brimbank, Hume, Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley with type 2 diabetes are eligible to participate and will benefit by receiving a free heart scan, eye examination and scan and memory and physical function tests.
Baker Institute deputy director and lead researcher Professor Jonathan Shaw said the study was an opportunity for residents to help researchers understand who will be affected by the potential complications of type 2 diabetes.
“To prevent these complications of diabetes, we need to know who is most likely to get them, so that down the track, we’ll be able to provide tailored, personalised treatment for every individual.”
Details on the study: baker.edu.au/research/clinical-trials/diabetes-complications
